At AKQA we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

We partner with our clients to solve hard problems and create a better future, through world-leading work, constant innovation and care.

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) plays a pivotal role in AKQA’s future. The CTO will direct the vision and strategy on how we leverage technology and innovation as a growth engine and deliver progressive, state of the art solutions for our clients.

Role Responsibilities:

• Define and continuously evolve AKQA’s group-wide technology strategy, with a specific emphasis on AI, creative and experience technologies
• Lead AKQA’s internal technology community, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation
• Support and connect with practice leads across strategy, creative, design, CX, and transformation to deliver best-in-class solutions and differentiated offerings to our clients
• Develop proprietary AKQA solutions, accelerators and products to accelerate client value realization and impact
• Engage with key AKQA clients and prospects to communicate our technology capabilities, structure engagements and inspire innovation
• Manage key technology partners, both directly and through the WPP Strategic Partnerships team, to drive joint product development, enablement, and go to market
• Partner with the WPP CTO and Open CEO to maximise the value of WPP technology assets for AKQA

Qualities & Characteristics:

• Industry-leading expertise in adtech, martech, creative technology, analytics, and AI, specifically generative AI
• Accomplished public speaker and strong communicator with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and effectively
• Strong existing relationships with key technology partners including Adobe, Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and NVIDIA
• A creator/builder mentality; someone who has demonstrated experience with creating new structures and processes
• An experienced and highly organized leader, with a passion for technology, very culturally in tune and with ability to work with a high degree of empathy across a complex organization structure
• Strong interpersonal skills, mature and calm presence, high EQ
• Strategic Sensibility: A proven hands-on leader with applied examples
• Hands-on Service: Comfortable getting into the details when necessary, ensuring a deep understanding of project requirements
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of creative services, marketing and/or product experiences. Understanding of best-in-class, proof of being able to elevate the experiences and products made / sold in service of moving the brand or business forward

This global role will require regular travel and in-office time with AKQA and WPP staff, notably in New York and London. Candidates in the United States, EMEA and APAC regions are also encouraged to apply.

Explore our extensive range of benefits here.

AKQA is an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe that diversity is vital to AKQA’s ability to provide our clients with the best recommendations and are committed to fostering a varied and inclusive work environment. Your race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or veteran status have no bearing on our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.