AKQA strengthens global leadership to drive next chapter of growth

AKQA elevates its global leadership with four key appointments to the Global Executive Committee. The strategic expansion empowers AKQA to guide clients through transformation, deliver market-leading solutions and drive impactful innovation to scale.

Following the unveiling of AKQA’s new global structure, at the end of 2024, these leadership appointments represent a crucial step in realising its ambitious vision. By bringing together the best minds, AKQA is poised to lead the future of creativity, technology and strategy.

Miriam Plon Sauer returns to AKQA as Chief Strategy Officer. Miriam has worked with world renowned brands, driving strategies that connect creativity with commercial success. She has a unique perspective for identifying exceptional talent that pushes the boundaries. In her role, she will ensure AKQA remains as a trusted growth partner for clients, shaping future-focused strategies that drive meaningful impact.

Ben Royce, former Google AI leader, joins AKQA as Chief Technology Officer. Ben is dedicated to unlocking business transformation through data and creative technology. With his expertise in creating impactful brand solutions, he will lead initiatives that help clients integrate digital and AI-driven innovation into business models, enabling meaningful growth.

Tim Devine has been promoted to Chief Invention Officer to lead the development of groundbreaking solutions for clients. Tim is an acclaimed creative technologist and delivers game-changing solutions to modern problems brands face today. His award-winning work includes Action Audio, Reframing the Greatness of Black and Code of Conscience which demonstrate a dedicated commitment to using technology for societal and environmental good.

Jonathan Bolden has also been promoted to Chief Transformation Officer, blending strategy, innovation and transformation expertise. Since joining AKQA in 2016, he has helped clients embrace a growth mindset, moving with speed to outpace competition. As Chief Transformation Officer, he will drive AKQA’s global transformation initiatives to help clients embrace emerging technologies and future-proof businesses.

Interim Chair AKQA Stephan Pretorius said: “These leadership appointments mark a pivotal moment for AKQA. As we continue to evolve, we are bringing together some of the brightest minds in strategy, technology, invention and business transformation to drive forward a more integrated and future-focused proposition. Our clients are increasingly looking for partners who can support them globally with seamless, multidisciplinary expertise. This team will ensure we meet that need, delivering transformative solutions and building on our existing strengths in creativity, design, customer experience, product development and brand storytelling. I can’t wait to see how their leadership will shape the next chapter of AKQA’s journey.”

These appointments will work in close partnership with Global Chief Creative Officers Shu Hung, Diego Machado, Peter Lund and Hugo Veiga to accelerate the integration of creativity, technology and strategy across every client engagement.