James Nicholas Kinney.
INVNT has appointed James Nicholas Kinney as its first global chief AI officer.
Working across all markets, with a firm focus on the APAC region, the role is designed to bring AI-powered solutions directly to clients while expanding the agency’s AI ecosystem and strengthening its data, insights and tooling infrastructure.
“INVNT is an innovation led brand story agency full of high performers,” Kinney said.
“We dream big and build boldly. My role is to bring AI into that ethos, to create greater impact for our clients and drive operational acceleration for our employees around the world.
“We will enable global cultural alignment with clear language, shared understanding and unified execution.”
Kinney brings AI certifications from MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Wharton, the program led by LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman.
His leadership background spans Monks, part of S4Capital and Ogilvy as chief people officer.
"APAC continues to be one of our fastest growing regions for innovation-led work,” said INVNT managing director APAC, Laura Roberts.
“Expanding our AI capabilities is a natural next step as we scale experiences across AI, XR, and other emerging technologies, while staying closely aligned with our global teams.
“This move gives our clients in the region access to deeper intelligence, better tools and more connected ways of working, helping them turn ambition into real-world impact.”
Kinney will be responsible for leading client-facing AI innovation, helping global brands scale their experiences and campaigns through machine learning and driving new business opportunities grounded in AI-powered transformation.
He will report directly to Scott Cullather, chairman and chief growth officer of INVNT.
“INVNT has always been at the forefront of innovation-led brand story,” Cullather said.
“Adding a Global Chief AI Officer to our leadership team marks the next step in that evolution for our clients, our agency and the industry at large. James is uniquely qualified for this role, one of the foremost minds in AI-enabled organisational design with a rare blend of HR leadership, agency experience and advanced AI training.
“He understands how humans and machines can coexist to drive meaningful progress, from operational maximalism to predictive analytics and client-forward solutions.
"His leadership will accelerate INVNT’s future as the best-in-class experience agency enhanced by AI.”
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