Umberto Basso Appointed Managing Director of AKQA Italy

Umberto Basso has been appointed as Managing Director of AKQA in Italy. Prior to this role, Umberto was Head of Emerging Technology at AKQA, and will now report into Matthew Bain, International Managing Director.

Umberto will oversee AKQA offices in Venice, Milan, Florence and Rome. His primary responsibilities will be to complete the integration of H-ART into AKQA, and to lead the team in creating remarkable work in a creative and progressive culture. Massimiliano Ventimiglia continues in his combined roles as Chairman of AKQA in Italy, Chief Digital Officer of WPP Italia and executive board member of GroupM Italia.

Umberto Basso said: “I look forward to the incredible adventure ahead, collaborating with our clients and leading our studios to embrace the highest levels of art, science and passion."

Ajaz Ahmed, AKQA CEO, said: “We are fortunate to have established strong foundations in Italy as a home for innovation. Our pioneering spirit will take centre stage as we make the transition from a founder-led organisation to the next generation of management.”

AKQA in Italy has offices in Venice, Milan, Rome and Florence, employing 215 people. AKQA has 2,000 employees in 21 studios across Europe, the USA, Asia and Australasia.