Marketing Chief Officer Sam Kelly steps down from AKQA Group after 17 years of service.
AKQA Group Bids Farewell to Another High-Ranking Executive
Advertising week just got a bit more shakeup as AKQA Group, a top WPP agency, is parting ways with yet another C-level executive. The latest to move on is none other than Chief Marketing Officer Sam Kelly, who has been with the company for an impressive 17 years.
In an internal note to staff, Kelly confirmed his departure, a news that ADWEEK managed to shed some light on. The announcement comes approximately four weeks after AKQA's founder and CEO, Ajaz Ahmed, made his exit from the agency after a long-standing tenure of 30 years[1].
WPP and AKQA are expected to unveil a successor for Ahmed early next year, as the agency navigates through transition period. Meanwhile, the remaining leadership at AKQA and Grey will take charge of the day-to-day operations at the agency. Notably, WPP’s chief technology officer, Stephan Pretorius, will preside over the business as interim chair[4].
Throughout his tenure, Kelly climbed the ranks from business development director to global CMO. Under his leadership, AKQA and Grey brands expanded significantly[1].
Meanwhile, Ahmed, following his departure, announced plans to launch a new shop aimed at countering slow, bureaucratic agencies – a strong hint that he may no longer be in the running for a position within AKQA[2][3][5]. Keep a close eye on AKQA's official communications for further updates.
- As AKQA Group is experiencing another high-level executive departure with the departure of Chief Marketing Officer Sam Kelly, one may question the future of the finance and business strategies that he had been leading.
- In the wake of the departure of CEO Ajaz Ahmed, it appears that WPP's interim chair, Stephan Pretorius, will take over leadership for the time being.
- Given the fact that both the CMO and CEO have departed from AKQA within a relatively short period, it remains to be seen if the agency will continue to expand and thrive under new leadership.
- With Kelly's departure after 17 years with AKQA, it signifies a significant shift in the leadership and the direction of the business, especially as WPP prepares to appoint Ahmed's successor in the new year.
