AKQA Group CEO Ajaz Ahmed resigns after 30 years

AKQA Group’s chief executive, Ajaz Ahmed, has resigned after founding the agency 30 years ago.

Ahmed, who founded AKQA in 1994, had been its chief executive since its inception. 

The agency was acquired by WPP in 2012, operating alongside sister agency Grey within the AKQA Group after WPP merged the shops in 2020.

Following Ahmed's departure, the existing leadership team at AKQA and Grey will lead AKQA Group operationally in the interim. WPP’s chief technology officer, Stephan Pretorius, will oversee the business as interim chair. The company will announce Ahmed’s successor in due course.

Ahmed said: “Serving AKQA’s team, clients and values over the past 30 years has been the greatest honour of my life. Founding AKQA at a young age was the start of an incredible journey, and if destiny allows, I look forward to another 30 years of meaningful work and making a difference. I’m tremendously energised about the adventures ahead and the opportunity to do something new.” 

Earlier this year, WPP merged AKQA and Grey in five markets as part of an efficiency drive, resulting in the pair operating under one name. AKQA became the sole or lead brand in four of the five markets: Australia, Belgium, Italy and the United Arab Emirates. Grey is the lead brand in the fifth market, China.

After announcing his resignation, he posted on LinkedIn: “In its infancy, AKQA took its first steps, stumbled and rose again. The triumphs were exhilarating, the defeats humbling, and both were integral to our journey.”

Ahmed closed his post: “Over my three decades with AKQA, I’ve only become more certain that some simple, timeless truths are even more important. It feels more appropriate than ever to say that the most powerful force in the universe isn’t technology or imagination. It’s love.”

Mark Read, chief executive of WPP, added: “Under Ajaz’s leadership, AKQA has become one of the world’s most-recognised and highly regarded agencies. It’s a brilliant business with many extremely talented people around the world.

"With its exceptional global team, capabilities and expertise, AKQA is well positioned for continued success, and we thank Ajaz for his vision and contribution to the business.” 

Ahmed continues to serve on the boards of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Virgin Unite, founded by Richard Branson, and Mission 44, founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton.