Tom Bedecarré

Tom was Co-Founder and CEO of AKQA, the leading and most-awarded digital advertising agency. AKQA works with global brands to ensure they win in the digital age. Tom built AKQA into a global company which now has more than 2,000 staff in 20 offices in the US, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Tom was also President of WPP Ventures, exploring Silicon Valley-based investment opportunities for WPP, the world’s largest communications services group.

An innovator and pioneer in media, entertainment and communications, Tom was named “Silicon Valley’s Favorite Adman” by Fortune magazine – cited for being a “rare hybrid” who “has cred with techies and Mad Men alike.” Tom was recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of The Year in 2013.

Academic Degrees

• DCI Fellow, Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute, 2016
• Attended Directors' College, Stanford Law School, 2010, 2016
• MBA, Kellogg School of Management, 1981
• BA, Stanford University, 1980

Professional Experience

• Co-Founder & CEO/Chairman, AKQA, 2000-2016
• President, WPP Ventures, 2012-2015
• Co-Founder & CEO, Citron Haligman Bedecarré,1990-2000
• Vice President, Hal Riney & Partners, 1984-1990
• Account Executive, Ogilvy & Mather, 1981-1984

Awards and Honors

• Stanford Career Education Jon Blum Outstanding Alumni Mentor Award, 2018
• EY Entrepreneur of the Year, 2013
• Hal Riney Icons of Marketing Award, San Francisco Bay Area Innovation Group, 2013
• Ad Person of the Year, Greater San Francisco Ad Club, 2010
• Admaker to Watch, The Wall Street Journal, 2006
• Fast 50, Fast Company, 2008
• Reuters & Klout 50 - The Most Influential Execs on the Web