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Akqa Technology

AKQA lands in Singapore, Australia and New Zealand via partnership with digital agency DT

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By Danielle Long, Acting APAC Editor

February 8, 2017 | 3 min read

AKQA is launching its agency brand in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore following a partnership with WPP digital agency DT.

AJaz Ahmed AKQA

DT CEO Brian Vella & AKQA CEO Ajaz Ahmed

The partnership will see the DT brand dropped and the agency’s Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Singapore offices rebranded as AKQA.

The transition, which will take place in the coming months, will see DT’s 220 staff become part of the global AKQA network, which will now boast 2,000 employees across 21 offices in the USA, Europe, Asia and Australasia.

Brian Vella, CEO of DT, said the partnership brings together two strong established agency brands to create a global digital network.

“DT is a strong and successful agency brand in Asia Pacific and we are thrilled to be partnering with AKQA, which is a globally respected and admired agency. This partnership completes the puzzle for both agencies globally. AKQA is strong in North America and Europe, so DT will play a leading role in Asia as we transition to AKQA,” said Vella.

Ajaz Ahmed, CEO of AKQA, told The Drum: "DT is a really great agency, we are kindred spirits and we have many shared values. Both agencies are motivated by the same things: to do great work and build a great agency.

“DT’s talent and track record will strengthen the AKQA community and enhance our combined purpose to partner with progressive clients to define and deliver a better future together.”

Ahmed said the agencies had already begun to work together on client projects.

AKQA’s arrival into the Australian market has been long anticipated with speculation that a move was imminent after the agency was appointed to the Optus agency roster last year.

The account is currently managed through AKQA’s San Francisco office, however, Vella said DT, which is also on the Optus roster, will work closely with the San Francisco team.

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