Jabari Hearn appointed Managing Partner

Former Nike and Google executive joins North America leadership team.

AKQA has further strengthened its leadership team by appointing Jabari Hearn as Managing Partner, increasing capabilities and expertise across client and talent development.

Jabari will report to AKQA’s North America President, Tesa Aragones. This appointment follows AKQA’s announcement in September of plans to double the number of people working at its studios in the U.S. over the next five years to 2,500 professionals. Last week it was announced that AKQA has achieved double-digit growth in the year-to-date. AKQA was highlighted as a stand-out performer in WPP’s quarterly market update.

AKQA Managing Partner Jabari Hearn said: “I’ve been fortunate to work with the fantastic teams at AKQA throughout my career. I feel honoured to join a team of people propelling the way forward through innovation and design. I’m also incredibly excited to work with Tesa, who I’ve partnered with closely during my time at Nike.”

AKQA President of North America, Tesa Aragones said: “Jabari Hearn is an entrepreneurial leader that shares AKQA’s passion for creativity, innovation and world-class results. In addition, Jabari has always inspired me, and I am confident his leadership will help our clients engage audiences with uplifting ideas and initiatives that will drive impact and societal progress for years to come.”

Jabari’s career in marketing and entertainment over the last 25 years includes companies like Google, Nike, Lyft, and most recently, Westbrook Media, owned by Will Smith. Jabari has launched notable activity as an accomplished global marketer, including Google Pixel, Nike Women’s Half Marathon, the Nike Equality Campaign and the Nike x NFL partnership.

Jabari co-founded Monday Night Mentorship, a membership network and career accelerant for marketers of colour. Jabari also serves on the Board of the Marcus Graham Project, working to increase diversity in representation within the media and marketing industries.