WPP has appointed Baiju Shah as global CEO of AKQA. Credit: WPP
Baiju Shah has been appointed global CEO of AKQA.
Shah joins from Accenture Song, where he served as global chief strategy officer and co-founded the group (formerly Accenture Interactive).
He replaces Ajaz Ahmed who resigned 30 years after founding the now WPP-owned agency.
“As AI and cultural shifts transform how business operates and how creativity itself is practised, we have a remarkable opportunity to create work that shapes how people live and connect,” Shah said.
“AKQA is uniquely equipped for this moment, combining craft, technology, and a deep understanding of people and culture.
“This is about more than creative output. It’s about achieving meaningful growth, setting new standards for innovation, and proving that imagination remains the most powerful force for building futures worth living in.
WPP CEO Mark Read said Shah brings a “rare combination” of creativity, strategy, and emerging tech leadership.
“I am delighted to welcome Baiju Shah as the new leader for AKQA, and excited to see how he will redefine what a modern creative company can deliver for clients,” Read said.
“Over the past two decades, he has demonstrated that he is one of our industry’s leaders in bringing strategy, creativity and emerging technology together.
Shah will lead AKQA through what WPP describes as “a moment of rapid cultural and technological change,” with a focus on applying AI and emerging tech to drive client innovation and growth.
“AKQA has always stood for iconic, creative innovation. I’m honoured to join a company whose heritage is not just history, but a foundation for what comes next,” Shah said.
“This is about more than creative output. It’s about achieving meaningful growth, setting new standards for innovation, and proving that imagination remains the most powerful force for building futures worth living in.”
During his time at Accenture, Shah led the expansion of design consultancy Fjord to 35 studios, oversaw acquisitions to grow Accenture Song’s capabilities, and most recently spearheaded its global AI-led transformation.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.