Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share #38: How AKQA EMEA Is Evolving Under WPP Integration and AI Transformation — Geoff Northcott
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
#38: How AKQA EMEA Is Evolving Under WPP Integration and AI Transformation — Geoff Northcott
This week on Agency Business, Olivia Morley and Brian Wieser speak with Geoff Northcott, CEO of AKQA in EMEA. Geoff's been there 18 years, building a career at the intersection of creativity and technology. From launching Nike+ campaigns to opening offices around the world, his path reflects AKQA’s dual commitment to craft and innovation.
Now leading one of AKQA’s three global P&Ls, Geoff describes how the agency is evolving after a period of major change. Its founder stepped down, WPP reorganized AKQA into three regional structures, and a new global CEO arrived with a consulting background. Geoff explains what this new model means in practice, how AKQA is integrating more tightly with WPP platforms like WPP Open, and why the role of AI is reshaping both client work and staffing models.
He also reflects on the enduring tension between autonomy and scale in creative agencies. While AKQA has moved away from its studio-level P&L system, he argues that the new structure maintains entrepreneurial energy at the local level while giving clients access to the full depth of the network.
Plus, News of the Week, with analysis of the headlines impacting agencies today:
- A raid at Hyundai and LG’s battery plant in Georgia and its potential impact on cross-border talent
- Stagwell canceling a London event amid scrutiny of its work for the Israeli government
- The Trump administration’s reported plans to ban pharmaceutical advertising on television
Subscribe to the Agency Business newsletter for episode notes and industry analysis. It's free and comes out every Monday.
Reach OutAgency Business features agency CEOs and financial decision-makers alongside third party experts including agency pitch consultants. We are always accepting pitches, and are particularly interested in hearing from women and leaders of color.
Email us!
📩 Brian at [email protected]
📩 Olivia at [email protected]
Follow Madison and Wall and FusionFront Media on LinkedIn for updates.
Explore Our Other Podcasts:📊 The Madison and Wall Podcast – Brian opens up about his latest work — plus crucial economic, financial, and industry trends.
🎬 Screen & Sponsor – Olivia & VaynerMedia's Jessie Holder explore how brands are shaping Hollywood.
View all episodes
By Brian Wieser and Olivia MorleyThis week on Agency Business, Olivia Morley and Brian Wieser speak with Geoff Northcott, CEO of AKQA in EMEA. Geoff's been there 18 years, building a career at the intersection of creativity and technology. From launching Nike+ campaigns to opening offices around the world, his path reflects AKQA’s dual commitment to craft and innovation.
Now leading one of AKQA’s three global P&Ls, Geoff describes how the agency is evolving after a period of major change. Its founder stepped down, WPP reorganized AKQA into three regional structures, and a new global CEO arrived with a consulting background. Geoff explains what this new model means in practice, how AKQA is integrating more tightly with WPP platforms like WPP Open, and why the role of AI is reshaping both client work and staffing models.
He also reflects on the enduring tension between autonomy and scale in creative agencies. While AKQA has moved away from its studio-level P&L system, he argues that the new structure maintains entrepreneurial energy at the local level while giving clients access to the full depth of the network.
Plus, News of the Week, with analysis of the headlines impacting agencies today:
- A raid at Hyundai and LG’s battery plant in Georgia and its potential impact on cross-border talent
- Stagwell canceling a London event amid scrutiny of its work for the Israeli government
- The Trump administration’s reported plans to ban pharmaceutical advertising on television
Subscribe to the Agency Business newsletter for episode notes and industry analysis. It's free and comes out every Monday.
Reach OutAgency Business features agency CEOs and financial decision-makers alongside third party experts including agency pitch consultants. We are always accepting pitches, and are particularly interested in hearing from women and leaders of color.
Email us!
📩 Brian at [email protected]
📩 Olivia at [email protected]
Follow Madison and Wall and FusionFront Media on LinkedIn for updates.
Explore Our Other Podcasts:📊 The Madison and Wall Podcast – Brian opens up about his latest work — plus crucial economic, financial, and industry trends.
🎬 Screen & Sponsor – Olivia & VaynerMedia's Jessie Holder explore how brands are shaping Hollywood.