Tara McKenty joins AKQA Australia as executive creative director, strengthening the agency’s leadership team further as it continues its integration with whiteGREY.
 
McKenty’s 16 years of creative industry experience across the APAC region includes a decade leading Google’s creative team across APAC followed by a year-and-a-half as
chief innovation officer and co-executive creative director at BMF and stints at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia and TBWA in New Zealand. Her work has been celebrated globally, earning awards at all major festivals, including a Gold for Creative Innovation at Cannes Lions.
 
She has built a reputation of respect and admiration as a thought leader in the local and international creative community, serving on high-profile juries such as the Cannes Lions Innovation Jury. She is also the founder of D&AD RARE, a global initiative supporting underrepresented groups thriving within the creative industries.
 
In her new role, McKenty will work with AKQA Australia’s senior leadership team – Tim Devine, executive creative director; Iona Macgregor, chief strategy officer; and Justine Leong, general manager Sydney; to continue driving excellence and growth within the region.
 
Justine Leong commented, “Tara is an exceptional talent whose creative excellence and leadership have left an indelible mark on the industry. Her commitment to innovation and inclusion aligns perfectly with AKQA’s mission to create a better future. We’re delighted to have Tara join us and are excited about the impact she will bring to our clients and team.”
 
McKenty added, “AKQA is renowned for creating work that blends creativity, technology, and humanity in meaningful ways. I’m looking forward to working with a strong team of leaders and partnering with our clients to build innovative and impactful experiences that truly make a difference.”

Cover image l-r: Nicole Armstrong (Executive Strategy Director Australia), Tara McKenty (Executive Creative Director Australia), Justine Leong (General Manager Sydney), and Iona Macgregor (Chief Strategy Officer Australia).