AKQA Americas Announces Leadership Team to Drive the Next Era of Innovation

To support AKQA's new Global Structure, unifying creativity, strategy and technology under a single integrated framework, AKQA Americas has unveiled its newly restructured leadership team. Aligning top-tier talent to deliver creativity, data-driven insights, and exceptional client impact. AKQA’s Americas Leadership team is committed to driving the agency’s growth through the power of creative technology, bold innovation, and visionary leadership, delivering transformative solutions that inspire.

AKQA, America's Leadership team, will be comprised of: 

Tesa Aragones, formerly president of North America, has been elevated to regional CEO (a first for AKQA), where she will steer the vision and drive growth for the region. Jabari Hearn, previously managing partner, steps into the role of chief marketing and growth officer, leading AKQA's presence and marketing innovation along with and driving new business. Giles McCormack, a 16-year veteran of AKQA and former managing partner, has been appointed as chief client officer. In this role, he will strengthen client partnerships, optimise resourcing, and ensure seamless delivery across the region. 

Shu Hung and Diego Machado, global chief creative officers and members of AKQA's Global Leadership Team, will continue to drive the company's creative vision worldwide. Based in the region, they will oversee the creative direction across the Americas, ensuring the delivery of ground breaking work that pushes industry boundaries. Additionally, Diego  will focus on further integrating AKQA Casa within the Americas.

Andrew Missingham, previously executive director of consumer insights, has been named chief data insights officer, advancing data-driven strategies to empower impactful decision-making. Katje Chiller, formerly head of people, becomes chief people officer, where she will cultivate a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and professional growth. 

The team will also benefit from the expertise of Jon Eggar, AKQA's chief financial officer, and Haley Hammerling, AKQA's global head of communications. Additionally, the Americas Leadership team will be strengthened by the incoming global chief strategy officer and global chief technology officer, both set to be appointed this quarter.

AKQA Americas CEO, Tesa Aragones said, “At AKQA, we are driven by an unrelenting ambition to shape what’s next; responding not just to the needs of our clients but to the changing rhythms of our world. This exceptional team of visionary leaders embodies the spirit of creativity, innovation, and purpose that defines AKQA. Together, we will continue to craft transformative solutions that drive value, inspire progress, and uplift the communities we serve.”

Under the new global structure announced in December 2024, AKQA Americas (North America and South America) will operate as one unified region, fostering stronger collaboration and integration within both the agency and the broader WPP network. This client centric approach ensures AKQA delivers more integrated and agile solutions, helping clients stay ahead of the curve in an evolving market.

AKQA is committed to its culture, employees, and future, which is the foundation of everything we do. Recently, AKQA was recognised by Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces list, highlighting our employees' love and pride for the agency. This acknowledgement highlights our focus on cultivating a culture of warmth, empathy, and respect that inspires our teams and fuels creativity globally. 

As part of this structure, AKQA Casa, in São Paulo, Brazil, will now operate as part of an integrated Americas business unit, strengthening the region's creative capabilities and cross-market collaboration. AKQA Casa is also celebrating its 10th anniversary as a creative powerhouse this month. Over the past decade, Casa has grown into a global hub, and consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity. Earning global recognition including multiple Cannes Lions Grand Prix wins and ground breaking work for international brands, AKQA Casa has become a place where creative culture transcends borders. 

The Americas leadership team represents the first significant step in AKQA Americas transformative strategy under Tesa's vision. The goal is to redefine the future of agency operations by balancing creativity and practicality while staying deeply attuned to client and cultural demands.

Tesa said, "By proactively redefining how we work, we are positioning ourselves to deliver more impactful and creative solutions for our clients. This new model ensures our teams are empowered to adapt to shifting market demands, foster innovation, and deliver lasting success for our clients."

Together, these leaders are shaping the future of creativity at AKQA, fostering an environment where talent, innovation and purpose converge.