Ian Wharton has been appointed executive creative director of Publicis Sapient, the digital transformation hub of Publicis Groupe. Wharton joins the Publicis Groupe UK creative lineup in London led by Ben Mooge, chief creative officer of Publicis Groupe UK and forms part of Publicis Sapient’s Global Experience team, where he will drive design excellence and experience, with a focus on quality in craft.
The recently established Experience team at Publicis Sapient is led by chief experience officer and renowned Silicon Valley alum John Maeda, who was appointed by Publicis Groupe in June 2019. The team blends data, machine learning, and creativity to devise customer-centric experiences that deliver exceptional value to both clients and their customers. Wharton will play an integral role to help shape and integrate Publicis Sapient’s capabilities to best assist clients in their digital transformation efforts. Wharton will also work closely with Mooge, who took the role of CCO Publicis Groupe UK in June 2019.
Wharton joins Publicis Sapient following six years at AKQA where he served as part of the global creative leadership team. As a visionary digital native, he brings a wealth of experience in design, having worked for global clients such as Formula 1 and Volvo Cars, helping them to craft new products and brands for the digital age. His credentials also include being one of four founding partners of technology start-up Zolmo; leading the creative for Apple Design Award-winning apps developed in joint venture with Jamie Oliver–some of the top-grossing, highest-rated apps for iPhone and iPad with over 20-million downloads. During that time, Zolmo was honored by D&AD and The Webbys.
Wharton graduated best-in-class from university with short animated film Solar (2007) earning a Royal Television Society Award. He later joined visual effects company The Mill as an art director, designing commercials for Audi, EA and game trailers for Sony.
