Rei Inamoto to head AKQA's New York office

In his new role, Inamoto will oversee all departments, including creative, technology, strategy and client services. 

Commenting on the appointment, Ajaz Ahmed, CEO of AKQA said,"Rei has proved his capability of stimulating healthy change and progress, while preserving the enduring core values of our company."

Inamoto helped launch AKQA in New York in 2004 and 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, according to the agency.

He has served as a judge and jury president at global creative festivals such as Cannes Lions, Eurobest, Spikes and on 13 November will be inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement.

Inamoto said he's keen to expand his role beyond creative leadership at AKQA to one that includes business leadership. "My goal is to design an organisation in NYC that creates ideas celebrated globally, increasing our connection with clients, growing relationships with world-class firms that share our spirit," he said.

Inamoto spoke last week at Spikes Asia 2012: See "AKQA CCO outlines five-step plan for advertising evolution"