Professional Overview
Aden Hepburn is the CEO and Chief Creative Officer at Akcelo, a brand experience and innovation agency. He is a prominent figure in the advertising and creative industries, recognized for his leadership and transformational vision. Aden was previously a co-CEO at VMLY&R, where he honed his expertise in brand strategy before founding Akcelo in 2020 alongside his former leadership team.
Company Profile: Akcelo
Akcelo has quickly established itself as a significant player within the advertising industry, focusing on comprehensive brand experiences. The agency's growth is noteworthy, expanding to over 150 employees in Australia since its inception. Under Aden's leadership, Akcelo emphasizes a "build, not buy and merge" strategy, fostering organic growth through talent acquisition and client partnerships rather than through mergers.
Unique Selling Points
- Client-Centric Approach: Akcelo prioritizes removing barriers commonly found in larger holding companies to foster closer client relationships, allowing for tailored communication and technology solutions.
- Innovative Culture: The agency is renowned for its flat organizational structure, which facilitates a dynamic working environment and attracts top talent. Akcelo's focus is on hiring skilled and adaptable individuals who enhance the agency's innovative culture while maintaining a client-first mindset.
- Global Reach: Akcelo is actively expanding its presence internationally, with current growth efforts focused on Melbourne, Canada, and North America, and aspirations for entry into markets such as London, Singapore, and the Middle East.
Leadership and Vision
Aden Hepburn brings a distinct perspective, advocating for entrepreneurial spirit within the agency. He is committed to investing ahead of industry trends to ensure that Akcelo remains at the forefront of brand experience innovation. This is reflected in the company's talent strategy, which encourages creativity and ambition among employees, offering incentives such as a 20-week maternity leave and an ESOP share scheme for high performers.
Achievements and Recognition
Akcelo's rapid growth and success have not gone unnoticed, with accolades such as being named Agency of the Year at the Mumbrella awards. Aden's leadership style, characterized by empowerment and innovation, has been pivotal in this recognition and the agency's overall success.
Strategic Growth and Opportunities
- Talent Acquisition: Akcelo focuses on hiring "great humans" who are aligned with the agency's values, contributing to a culture that is both collaborative and entrepreneurial.
- ESOP Scheme: The share scheme aims to incentivize employees across the company, sharing in the success and fostering a sense of ownership.
- Market Expansion: Strategic expansion into key global markets is a priority, aiming to leverage Akcelo's unique culture and client-centric approach to grow organically.
Aden Hepburn's strategic vision for Akcelo combines innovative thinking, talent empowerment, and a focus on creating meaningful client partnerships. This foundation positions Akcelo as a leading agency in the competitive advertising landscape.
