INVNT creates global chief AI officer role, appoints James Nicholas Kinney

Global brand storytelling agency INVNT has appointed James Nicholas Kinney as its first global chief AI officer, formalising AI as a core leadership function across the business.

The newly created role will operate across all markets, with a strong focus on APAC, and is designed to embed AI-powered solutions directly into client work while strengthening the agency’s internal data, insights and tooling infrastructure.

INVNT said the appointment signals a step change in how AI is integrated across the agency, spanning strategy, creative, production and operations, as it builds systems and capabilities to support next-generation brand and experience design.

Kinney joins INVNT following senior roles across agencies including Monks (S4 Capital), Ogilvy, Mother and Giant Spoon. His background combines people and culture leadership with advanced AI training, including certifications from MIT, Carnegie Mellon and Wharton.

INVNT chairman and chief growth officer Scott Cullather said the role reflects the agency’s push to connect creativity, technology and experience design more deeply.

“Adding a global chief AI officer to our leadership team marks the next step in that evolution for our clients and our agency,” Cullather said. “James brings a rare combination of agency experience, organisational design and advanced AI capability.”

Kinney will lead client-facing AI innovation, working with brands to scale campaigns and experiences through machine learning and intelligent systems, while also driving new business opportunities tied to AI-powered transformation. He will report directly to Cullather.

INVNT has increasingly positioned itself around AI-led experience work in recent years, delivering projects across live events, XR and brand storytelling for global clients including Microsoft, Oracle, Xero and ABB.

INVNT APAC managing director Laura Roberts said the appointment strengthens the agency’s regional capabilities as demand for AI-enabled experiences grows.

“APAC continues to be one of our fastest growing regions for innovation-led work,” Roberts said. “This move gives our clients access to deeper intelligence, better tools and more connected ways of working.”

Kinney said his focus will be on integrating AI into INVNT’s culture and delivery model.

“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,” he said.