R/GA has appointed Ren Rigby as its first global chief brand officer, marking a key hire as the agency strengthens its positioning as an independent creative innovation company.
Rigby re-joins R/GA from Proto, the design and innovation consultancy they co-founded in New York. Reporting to Tiffany Rolfe, chair and global chief creative officer, Rigby will focus on evolving the company’s brand identity, including the rollout of new AI products and its blueprint ecosystem.
Rolfe said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Ren back to R/GA. They are one of the most inspirational and awarded multidisciplinary design leaders in our industry. Ren’s experience at creating at the intersection of design and innovation will be invaluable in helping us codify our brand for this new AI era.”
Rigby added: “Coming back to R/GA feels like coming home. R/GA thrives when technology is evolving and the rules are still being written. I’m excited to partner with Tiff, Robin, our talented R/GA global family, and our iconic clients to unlock the best of what we do and help build the brands the future deserves.”
The appointment follows R/GA’s shift to independence earlier this year in partnership with private equity firm Truelink Capital. Since then, the agency has invested in talent, product development, and acquisitions, including the recent purchase of AI system design studio Addition.
Rigby previously served as R/GA’s global head of brand and co-founded its business transformation offering, leading projects for Nike, Google, Shopify and PepsiCo. With a career spanning more than two decades, Rigby has held roles at Pentagram London, Landor, and Interbrand, and chaired the Australian Graphic Design Association.
They have won multiple international awards, including DDB’s Bill Bernbach Award for Creative Brilliance, and have judged programs such as Cannes Lions, The One Show, and D&AD.