AKQA announces new global structure to lead the next era of integrated creativity and innovation

Enhancing Agility, Unifying Expertise, and Driving Client Impact.

AKQA announces a new global structure, unifying creative, strategy and technology under a single integrated framework, with AI seamlessly embedded in its offering. Designed to foster collaboration, and meet clients’ changing needs while continuing to deliver exceptional, award-winning work, this move marks a significant evolution in how AKQA serves its clients.

The change comes in response to increased client demand for integrated capabilities, at global scale, that address business challenges with agility and cross-functional expertise. AKQA’s new model unites disciplines to deliver cohesive, impactful solutions, leveraging the agency’s leading capabilities in design, digital products and experiences, brand storytelling, creative technology, and growth strategy and optimisation. It will also fully leverage WPP’s AI-powered marketing operating system, WPP Open, to drive enhanced creativity, speed and efficiency for clients.

These changes aim to prepare AKQA for the future, ensuring the agency remains a leader adapting to the evolving needs of its clients and industry while staying true to the values that have made it one of the world’s most celebrated agencies.

A Unified Vision for the Future

AKQA has established a new Global Executive Committee to drive this transformation. It will lead the implementation of AKQA’s new structure to position the agency as one cohesive network globally, enabling stronger collaboration both internally and across the rest of WPP.

The new structure will unify operations and services, with a simpler, three-P&L model (The Americas, EMEA, and APAC) rather than one for each studio.

The initial Global Executive Committee comprises Stephan Pretorius (Interim Chair of AKQA and WPP CTO); four divisional business leaders: Laura Maness (Global CEO, Grey), Tesa Aragones (CEO, Americas), Geoff Northcott (CEO, EMEA) and Brian Vella (CEO, APAC); four global creative leaders: Shu Hung (CCO), Diego Machado (CCO), Hugo Viega (CCO) and Peter Lund (CCO); as well as Jon Eggar (CFO) and Amy Oliver (CPO).

The process to appoint a new CEO for AKQA is progressing, and an announcement will be made in due course. AKQA will also appoint a Chief Technology Officer and a Chief Strategy Officer to the Global Executive Committee in Q1 2025 as part of this transformation. These roles will strengthen AKQA’s ability to align strategy, creativity and technology globally, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of innovation and client impact.

AKQA has also unveiled its newly restructured leadership team for North America, aligning top-tier talent to deliver transformative creativity, and data-driven insights. The North America leadership team will report directly to Tesa Aragones, who said: “At AKQA, our ambition is to continuously evolve in response to the needs of our clients and the dynamic nature of our industry. Our exceptional team of leaders will ensure we remain at the forefront, leveraging creativity, innovation and insights to create impactful solutions that drive value for our clients and communities.”

The Global Executive Committee will ensure a unified vision and execution across all regions. Together, these leaders are shaping the future of creativity at AKQA, fostering an environment where talent, innovation and purpose converge.

Stephan Pretorius, Interim Chair of AKQA and WPP CTO, said: “This new structure marks a bold step forward for AKQA, enabling us to bring the best of AKQA globally to all our clients. AKQA has long been known for its innovation and cutting-edge products and services - the ability to think without limits and develop unchartered solutions. Now, it is poised to set new standards for delivering exceptional client work in the age of AI. By leveraging WPP Open, AKQA will further augment its creativity, drive more impactful business solutions for clients, and help shape the industry’s future.”