Accenture Song hires new head of AI

Accenture Song has hired Arun Kumar as its global head of data and AI, the agency announced today. Kumar will lead Accenture Song’s team focused on devising solutions around data and AI, which have become more significant parts of the agency’s business since its parent company in mid-2023 set plans to invest $3 billion into AI. He will report to Baiju Shah, Accenture Song’s global chief strategy officer. Check out the latest Ad Age events and award programs Accenture Song’s AI efforts resemble those of many of its industry peers. Behind a large investment and a chief executive who loves the technology, the agency has produced generative AI solutions for clients in partnership with tech platforms like Adobe and Nvidia. It has also acquired smaller businesses to scale its AI efforts. More on AI: Top 5 AI marketing activations to know about Kumar’s appointment marks the first time Accenture Song has hired a head of AI. His predecessor, Jatinder Singh, was hired in 2021 when the role was titled “global head of data and analytics.” As of August 2023, the role still held its original name, but sometime after it changed to “global head of data and AI.” Singh is now head of data and AI for Accenture Song's marketing practice, one of four solutions groups within Song, which focuses on brand-building and advertising. The title rebrand for Kumar’s role reflects a trend that has been adopted by other companies in the advertising industry. Marketing intelligence firm Claritas hired its first chief AI officer last December, and Coca-Cola hired a global head of generative AI six months before that. Kumar worked from 2017 to 2023 as chief data and marketing technology officer at IPG, where he focused on growing the holding company’s addressable media buying practice and guiding its acquisitions. Most recently, he was an independent consultant.

Accenture Song hires new head of AI

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