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AKQA New Zealand appoints new executive partner
AKQA NZ executive product director Matt Townsend, new executive partner Viv Baartman and managing director Dave Bentley.
AKQA New Zealand has appointed Viv Baartman as its new executive partner.
In this role, Baartman will lead the strategic direction and growth of the Wellington studio, strengthen relationships across the government and enterprise sectors and support the evolution of AKQA’s national go-to-market transformation offering.
She will report to AKQA New Zealand managing director Dave Bentley and work closely with executive product director Matt Townsend and the wider leadership team to shape digital, customer experience and AI-led transformation initiatives.
Strong reputation
“Viv brings a rare combination of strategic thinking, operational leadership and deep human understanding,” says Bentley.
“She has built a strong reputation for helping organisations navigate complexity, align teams and deliver meaningful transformation. As organisations rethink customer experience, digital products and AI adoption, Viv’s leadership will be incredibly valuable for both AKQA and our clients.”
Townsend adds: “Viv has a calm, grounded leadership style and an ability to bring clarity to ambitious transformation programmes. She understands how to connect strategy, delivery and people in a way that creates momentum and lasting impact.”
Where creativity and technology meet
Baartman joins AKQA with more than two decades of experience leading digital transformation, customer experience and operational strategy initiatives across government, health, finance, tourism and technology sectors.
On her appointment, she says: “AKQA sits in that rare space where creativity and technology come together to deliver impact.
“It’s exactly the kind of work I love being part of – helping organisations navigate change while creating experiences that matter. What drew me here was not just the ambition of the work, but the calibre of the people behind it. I’m super excited to work alongside such a talented, thoughtful and creative team.”
