AKQA announces global leadership appointments amid ongoing restructure

AKQA has made four appointments to its global executive committee following the departures of founder and CEO Ajaz Ahmed in October 2024 after 30 years, and global chief marketing officer Sam Kelly in November 2024.

Among the appointments, Tim Devine has moved from his role as executive creative director for Australia and New Zealand to become AKQA’s chief invention officer. Devine is known for projects including 'Action Audio', 'RGBlack', and 'The [uncertain] Four Seasons'. In the new role, he will lead the agency’s development of technology-driven client solutions.

Miriam Plon Sauer returns to AKQA as chief strategy officer after a brief stint at McCann Worldgroup. Previously part of AKQA’s European strategy leadership, Plon Sauer has worked across global markets and is expected to shape the agency’s strategic direction with a focus on aligning creativity with commercial outcomes.

Ben Royce joins as chief technology officer from Google Cloud, where he led AI and machine learning initiatives. He previously held senior roles at Publicis North America and lectures on AI and digital transformation at Columbia University. At AKQA, Royce will lead the integration of AI and data capabilities into client solutions.

Jonathan Bolden, who has been with the agency since 2016, has been promoted from executive director of transformation to chief transformation officer. With prior experience at McKinsey, Accenture, and Apple, Bolden will focus on helping clients modernise operations and embed transformation into their business strategy.

The appointments follow AKQA’s reorganisation at the end of 2024 into three global profit-and-loss centres—covering the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific—each led by a regional chief executive. In Asia-Pacific, former managing partner Brian Vella was promoted to chief executive, overseeing the agency’s operations across the region.

In March 2024, AKQA also integrated Grey’s digital division WhiteGrey into its ANZ operations, as part of a broader effort to consolidate capabilities and strengthen its footprint in the region under Vella’s leadership.

Commenting on the latest global leadership changes, AKQA’s interim chair and WPP chief technology officer Stephan Pretorius said: “These leadership appointments mark a pivotal moment for AKQA.This team will ensure we meet [client] needs, delivering transformative solutions and building on our existing strengths.”

The global chief marketing officer role, vacated by Sam Kelly in November 2024, has not yet been filled.