AKQA has announced four key appointments to its global executive committee that enhances its core capabilities and unifying its expertise into seamless client offerings.
The strategic expansion empowers AKQA to guide clients through transformation globally, delivering market-leading solutions with greater agility and depth.
The design and innovation company is responding by deepening its ability to combine design, customer experience, brand storytelling, business strategy, technology, innovation, and AI into holistic, intelligent solutions.
Miriam Plon Sauer, Ben Royce, Tim Devine and Jonathan Bolden
Leading the appointments is the promotion of AUNZ executive creative director Tim Devine to chief invention officer. He will be tasked with pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering game-changing solutions to the hardest problems brands face today.
His award-winning work spanning projects like Action Audio, RGBlack, The [uncertain] Four Seasons, Serena v Serena? and the Code of Conscience demonstrates a commitment to using technology for societal and environmental good. As Chief Invention Officer, he will lead efforts to develop groundbreaking original solutions for clients.
Miriam Plon Sauer returns to the agency as chief strategy officer, bringing an impressive track record working with some of the world’s most renowned brands, driving strategies that connect creativity with commercial success.
As chief strategy officer, she will focus on ensuring AKQA remains a trusted growth partner for clients, shaping future-focused strategies that drive meaningful impact.
Ben Royce, a former Google AI leader, joins the agency bringing his deep expertise in harnessing AI for scalable and impactful brand solutions. He will lead initiatives that help clients integrate digital and AI-driven innovation into their business models, enabling them to grow efficiently and meaningfully.
Rounding out the appointments is the promotion of Jonathan Bolden to the role of executive director of transformation, blending strategy, innovation, and transformation expertise.
He joined AKQA in 2016 and has helped clients embrace a growth mindset, moving with speed to outpace competition and create lasting value for consumers and shareholders.
In the role, he will drive AKQA’s global transformation initiatives, helping clients navigate complex challenges, embrace emerging technologies, and future-proof their businesses.
These appointments will work in close partnership with AKQA’s global chief creative officers Shu Hung, Diego Machado, Peter Lund, and Hugo Veiga to complement AKQA’s creative offering and accelerate the integration of creativity, technology, and strategy across every client engagement.
Next chapter of AKQA leadership
Stephan Pretorius, AKQA interim chair 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.”
This announcement follows AKQA’s new global structure, unveiled at the end of 2024, which was designed to integrate AKQA’s capabilities more seamlessly and enhance its ability to deliver innovation at scale.
These leadership appointments are a key step in ensuring that vision is realised, bringing the best minds together to drive the future of creativity, technology, and strategy.
Top image: Miriam Plon Sauer, Ben Royce, Tim Devine and Jonathan Bolden