AKQA announces Rei Inamoto to lead New York office – in addition to chief creative officer role

AKQA announces Rei Inamoto to lead the New York office. In this new role, Inamoto will oversee all departments, including creative, technology, strategy and client services. The new responsibilities are in addition to Inamoto’s role as chief creative officer, where he oversees AKQA’s creative vision and output in the U.S. and Asia.

Says Ajaz Ahmed, CEO of AKQA: “We’re proud to have Rei lead the New York team as AKQA experiences continued growth and momentum. Rei has proved his capability of stimulating healthy change and progress, while preserving the enduring core values of our company. We appreciate Rei’s commitment to the work, our clients and industry leadership.”

Inamoto helped launch AKQA in New York in 2004 and he later transferred to the San Francisco office where he oversaw the growth and output of a 100-person creative department that won widespread acclaim and recognition. Two years ago, Inamoto returned to New York where he has been instrumental in building new client relationships and making key hires.

In addition, Inamoto is a thought leader who often keynotes at events worldwide. He serves as a judge and jury president at many of the top global creative festivals, including Cannes Lions, Eurobest, Spikes and more. He is also a board member for the Art Director’s Club and the Google Creative Council. On November 13, 2012, Inamoto will be inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement.

Says Inamoto: “I’m excited about my increased role – not just as a creative leader but also as a business leader for AKQA. My goal is to design an organization in NYC that creates ideas celebrated globally, increasing our connection with clients, growing relationships with world-class firms that share our spirit.”