Update: added statement from AKQA and clarified succession plan. Brian Vella, AKQA’s Asia-Pacific CEO, is to depart the agency after 25 years with the business.
Vella joined Melbourne-based digital agency DT as a senior producer in 2001, rising to become the agency’s CEO in 2011 before merging with AKQA in 2017.
Vella then became AKQA’s managing partner for Asia-Pacific before notching the top regional job in December last year.
Now he’s leaving the WPP-owned agency, which has been through its fair share of changes globally over the last year with founder Ajaz Ahmed departing in October.
“It’s difficult to put into words what leaving a company after 24 years feels like, but grateful is the one I keep returning to,” Vella wrote on LinkedIn.
“To have one exceptional leader over this period is special, to have two is extraordinary. Ajaz Ahmed, thank you for trusting me with what was always the most valuable brand in our industry. Reading Limitless all those years ago inspired a dream, and working on your team made it real. In fact it was better than that. Earlier, a dozen, formative years with David Trewern was a masterclass in entrepreneurship. Together with Bet, you backed me from day one and always saw the best in me. I will never forget that belief.
“Together, I was fortunate to work with some of the region’s most iconic brands and businesses. Thank you to the leaders at Bunnings, Country Road Group, EcoOutdoor, Foodstuffs, Golf Australia, Google, HESTA, Honda, Japan Airlines, KFC, Macquarie Bank, Myer, NAB, Netflix, Nike, Officeworks, Optus, Tourism Australia, Toyota and Wesfarmers – to name a few! Your trust in us was always humbling.
“Working in a period of massive change and digital transformation, we were relentless in our pursuit of innovation. Always with the belief that the most imaginative force in the universe was imagination. To achieve this, I believed in high performing teams and spent two decades building them.”
Vella said that he’s taking some time to “recharge, reflect and explore new opportunities where design, innovation and commerce meet”.
In a statement, an AKQA spokesperson told B&T that the decision to let Vella go was part of an alignment with AKQA’s global strategy with a greater focus on local, rather than regional roles. The spokesperson added that Justine Leong has been promoted to MD of Australia and Jeremy Smart moves from MD to head of growth for Australia.
“In a move that reflects our continued alignment with AKQA’s global strategy, we are evolving from a regional structure to a more locally focused model within APAC. One designed to better serve the unique needs of each market. As part of this shift, Brian Vella will be stepping away from the business. We are grateful for Brian’s leadership, dedication, and lasting impact he has made at AKQA,” said the spokesperson.
“Additionally, Justine Leong has been promoted to Managing Director of Australia, and Jeremy Smart will move from Managing Director to Head of Growth for Australia. Leadership within New Zealand and Japan remains unchanged, providing continuity and strength as we continue to build for the future.”