Singapore – INVNT, a global agency focused on innovation-led brand storytelling, has appointed James Nicholas Kinney as its first global chief AI officer as part of its strategy to expand the use of AI across its international operations, with a strong emphasis on the APAC region.
The role is intended to support the delivery of AI-enabled client solutions while strengthening the agency’s data, insight and technology capabilities.
The appointment reflects INVNT’s broader efforts to embed AI across strategy, creative, production, and operational functions, supported by the development of shared data environments and intelligent systems designed to enhance future brand experiences and engagement.
James brings a combination of senior people leadership and advanced AI expertise, supported by certifications from MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Wharton. His professional background includes leadership roles at global agencies and creative organisations such as .Monks, Ogilvy, Giant Spoon and Mother, with a focus on organisational design, talent strategy, and large-scale technology adoption.
“INVNT is an innovation led brand story agency full of high performers. We dream big and build boldly,” James stated.
“We dream big and build boldly. My role is to bring AI into that ethos, to create greater impact for our clients and drive operational acceleration for our employees around the world.”
Over the past 17 years, INVNT has partnered with multinational brands to deliver experience-led campaigns that combine creativity with advanced technology. Its work has included AI-supported global events, large-scale conference activations, interactive installations, experimental applications of generative AI, and the development of proprietary AI and extended reality technologies.
“APAC continues to be one of our fastest growing regions for innovation-led work. Expanding our AI capabilities is a natural next step as we scale experiences across AI, XR, and other emerging technologies, while staying closely aligned with our global teams,” Laura Roberts, managing director of APAC at INVNT, shared.
“This move gives our clients in the region access to deeper intelligence, better tools, and more connected ways of working, helping them turn ambition into real-world impact.”
In his new role, James will lead client-facing AI initiatives, supporting brands in scaling campaigns and experiences through intelligent systems while contributing to new business opportunities linked to AI-driven transformation.
