BMF’s chief innovation officer moves to AKQA
Nicole Armstrong (Executive Strategy Director Australia), Tara McKenty (Executive Creative Director Australia), Justine Leong (General Manager Sydney), and Iona Macgregor (Chief Strategy Officer Australia).
AKQA Australia has nabbed BMF’s chief innovation officer, Tara McKenty, as its new executive creative director.
As the agency continues its integration with whiteGREY, the appointment of McKenty is designed to strengthen its leadership team and creative offering.
She joins after nearly two years at BMF where she was chief innovation officer and co-executive creative director. Prior to that, she spent over a decade at Google, leading the APAC creative team as creative head, then creative director.
McKenty also has experience from TBWA and Saatchi & Saatchi, and has served on high-profile juries including for Cannes Lions. She is also the founder of D&AD RARE, a global initiative supporting underrepresented groups in the creative industry.
(L-R): Nicole Armstrong, Tara McKenty, Justine Leong, and Iona Macgregor
“AKQA is renowned for creating work that blends creativity, technology, and humanity in meaningful ways,” McKenty said.
“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.”
In her new role at AKQA, McKenty will work closely with the agency’s senior leadership team including ECD Tim Devine, CSO Iona Macgregor, and Sydney GM Justine Leong, to drive excellence and growth.
Leong described McKenty as an “exceptional talent” and said her creative leadership has left an “indelible mark” on the industry.
“Her commitment to innovation and inclusion aligns perfectly with AKQA’s mission to create a better future,” Leong said.
“We’re delighted to have Tara join us and are excited about the impact she will bring to our clients and team.”
Stephen McArdle, CEO of BMF, thanked McKenty for her efforts.
“Since joining BMF 18 months ago, Tara has played an important role in evolving our modern marketing capabilities and building a world-class innovation team with depth of talent, energy, and creativity, leaving us with strong foundations to continue driving work of a different shape,” he said.
“It’s been a pleasure having Tara in the business and we wish her every success in the future.”
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