Brain Vella, AKQA’S CEO of Asia Pacific, announced he will exit the agency after 24 years, taking to LinkedIn on Thursday to share the news.
Vella joined ad agency DT in 2001 and rose through the ranks over six years to lead as CEO. In 2017, DT was absorb into AKQA and Vella continued as Managing Director, APAC, and was promoted to CEO APAC last December.
Vella wrote: “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.
“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.
“I had the privilege of working with exceptional people who shaped or helped me in countless ways. Thank you to everyone along the journey. Past and present.”
Vella went on to thank the staffers who started their careers with AKQA and went on to become leaders in the industry and build their own businesses, including Henry Innis
“I’m also proud of the countless people who started with us, and through our entrepreneurial culture, grew into leaders and went on to build businesses of their own: PREVE’s Adam Beaupeurt, July co-founder Athan Didaskalou, Teammo’s Sarah Stocks and Mutinex founder Henry Innis.
Vella added: “As for what’s next, I’m taking some time to recharge, reflect and explore new opportunities where design, innovation and commerce meet. If our paths cross again in that pursuit, I’d love to connect.”
AKQA evolves local structure
In a statement to Mediaweek, an AKQA Spokesperson said: “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. 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.”