WPP has announced the resignation of Ajaz Ahmed as CEO of AKQA Group, a position he has held since founding the agency in 1994. The leadership transition comes as AKQA celebrates three decades of innovation and excellence in the digital space.
Ahmed’s departure marks a significant milestone in the agency’s history. Under his guidance, AKQA has earned a reputation as a pioneering innovation agency, recognized globally for its technology-enabled products and services. The agency has garnered an impressive 83 Agency of the Year awards and, more recently, 11 Most Loved Workplace awards, reflecting its strong employee culture.
In the interim, AKQA will be led operationally by the existing leadership teams at AKQA and Grey, with WPP Chief Technology Officer Stephan Pretorius stepping in as interim chair. WPP will announce Ahmed’s successor in due course.
“I have had the greatest honor of my life serving AKQA’s team, clients, and values,” Ahmed stated. “Founding AKQA at a young age has been the start of an incredible journey. I look forward to new adventures ahead and the opportunity to continue making a difference.”
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, praised Ahmed’s leadership: “Under his guidance, AKQA has become one of the world’s most recognized agencies. With its exceptional global team and capabilities, AKQA is well-positioned for continued success.”
In addition to his role at AKQA, Ahmed serves on the boards of several charitable organizations, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Mission 44, founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton. In 2022, he was honored with the Spear’s Impact Award for his philanthropic efforts.
As AKQA embarks on this new chapter, the agency is poised for continued growth and innovation in the fast-evolving digital landscape.
