Rei Inamoto

With broad international experience in Asia, Europe and the U.S. as well as an unusual combination of background in advertising, design and technology, Rei brings a unique perspective to his work and to his audiences.

Rei is CCO / VP of AKQA, responsible for the creative vision and output in the U.S. and Asia, delivering creative solutions for agency clients such as Google, Nike, Xbox and Verizon Wireless. IN addition, Rei leads the agency’s fast-growing New York office, overseeing all departments, including creative, technology, production, strategy, and client services.

Since joining the agency in 2004, his presence has been instrumental in bringing AKQA the highest recognitions. In the last several years, AKQA received multiple ‘Agency of the Year’ accolades from various industry publications, including achieving a world-first in 2011 by earning the honor simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic from Adweek and Campaign. He also serves as a Board Member of the Art Director’s Club, member of Google Creative Council and frequent jury chair and judge for the industry’s top awards, including the 2012 AICP Next Awards, Cannes Lions and Eurobest. Among his many industry honors, Rei has been twice named to Creativity Magazine’s annual “Creativity 50” list and as an inductee to the AAF 20th Advertising Hall of Achievement in 2012. A prolific contributor to industry publications, Rei wrote a new epilogue for the Japanese edition of Velocity – Seven New Laws for a World Gone Digital, published by PIE Books. The Japanese edition is the first international publication of the best-selling business book.

Originally from Tokyo, Rei spent his childhood and teenage years in Japan and Europe. He then went to the U.S. to complete his university studies with degrees in fine arts and computer science – all before people were broadcasting their feelings, talking in 140 characters or less, or becoming friends with people they didn’t know.