SHANGHAI, April 1 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --
AKQA has hired Johan Vakidis as Executive Creative Director at AKQA Shanghai. Vakidis is charged with raising AKQA's creative capabilities and profile in China and globally. AKQA Shanghai offers strategy, creative and technology services for its clients, including Unilever, Diageo and Guerlain, Most recently, the office won business from Kraft, Stiefel and Hilton.
Vakidis was formerly the National Creative Director, Digital at OgilvyOne Worldwide, Shanghai. Johan Joined OgilvyOne in January 2001 and quickly became the agency's Creative Director. Over the years Vakidis has assembled an award-winning team comprised of top local, regional and international talent. Vakidis and his team are best known for their award-winning integrated and digital campaigns for global clients such as adidas, Seiko, Lancome, IKEA and Volkswagen.
"Johan has a deep passion for motion picture and film direction -- combined with digital interaction," said Rei Inamoto, AKQA Chief Creative Officer for the U.S. and Asia. "Johan has spent time working with great brands throughout the region, including China, Korea and Singapore, and he has a lot to offer in terms of digital innovation," added Inamoto.
Vakidis is teaming with Leo Chu, AKQA General Manager in Shanghai who joined the agency in July 2008. Chu has more than ten years of marketing experience in Greater China and the U.S. ranging from financial services to consumer packaged goods to online gaming. Previously, Chu held management positions at Leo Burnett, FCB and USWeb/CKS, where he developed marketing programs for Philip Morris, Visa and Chase Manhattan.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to have Johan join the team in Shanghai and AKQA's global Creative Council. I'm confident that AKQA will continue to grow in China with the leadership of both Leo and Johan," said Tom Bedecarre, CEO of AKQA.
About AKQA
AKQA is the leading independent digital marketing agency with more than 750 employees in San Francisco, New York, Washington D.C., London, Shanghai and its newest office in Amsterdam. AKQA provides digital strategy, creative and technology solutions to the world's leading marketers, including Coca-Cola, Diageo, McDonald's, Nike, Unilever and Visa. For more information about AKQA, visit http://www.akqa.com .
