INVNT has appointed James Nicholas Kinney as its first Global Chief AI Officer, formalising the agency’s push to embed artificial intelligence across every part of its global business, with a particular focus on APAC.
The newly created role is designed to accelerate AI-powered, client-facing solutions while expanding INVNT’s internal data, insights and tooling infrastructure.
Kinney will work across all markets and report directly to Scott Cullather, chairman and chief growth officer at INVNT.
Building AI into the agency’s core
The appointment signals a step-change in how INVNT plans, creates and delivers brand experiences.
The agency said the role will drive the integration of AI across strategy, creative, production and operations, supported by new internal systems, data lakes and intelligent capabilities.
Kinney joins INVNT with a background that blends agency leadership and advanced AI training.
He has held senior roles at .Monks (S4Capital), Ogilvy, Mother and Giant Spoon, and brings AI certifications from MIT, Carnegie Mellon and Wharton, the latter led by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman.
A leadership role focused on humans and machines
Cullather said the role reflects INVNT’s belief that meaningful transformation happens at the intersection of technology, creativity and human experience.
“Business transformation happens when you connect the dots across industries, technologies, and the experience ecosystem,” 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, 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.”
Expanding AI-powered brand storytelling
Over the past 17 years, INVNT has worked with global brands including Microsoft, Oracle, Xero, ABB and Lamborghini, delivering projects that combine experiential storytelling with emerging technology.
Recent work includes helping Microsoft introduce Copilot globally, developing AI-powered experiences for Oracle AI World, creating a proprietary AI Music Factory for Xero, and delivering interactive AI installations at COP28.
The agency has also developed patent-pending XR learning and engagement technology across platforms such as Apple Vision Pro.
INVNT said Kinney will lead client-facing AI innovation, helping brands scale experiences through machine learning and intelligent automation, while also identifying new AI-driven growth opportunities.
APAC a key focus for growth
Laura Roberts, managing director APAC at INVNT, said the appointment strengthens the agency’s position in one of its fastest-growing regions.
“APAC continues to be one of our fastest growing regions for innovation-led work,” Roberts said.
“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.”
Kinney’s vision for the role
Kinney said his focus will be on embedding AI in a way that enhances both client outcomes and internal ways of working.
“INVNT is an innovation-led brand story agency full of high performers. We dream big and build boldly,” he said.
“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.”
Top image: James Nicholas Kinney