AAPI Heritage Month | Icon: Rei Inamoto
Named in Creativity Magazine’s annual “Creativity 50” as well as one of “the Top 25 Most Creative People in Advertising” in Forbes Magazine, Rei Inamoto is one of the most influential individuals in the marketing and creative industry today.
A designer by trade, a minimalist at heart, Rei’s superpower is to help clients simplify the complex and break new ground.
Until the fall of 2015, Rei served as Chief Creative Officer of AKQA worldwide, responsible for delivering creative solutions for the agency’s clients such as Audi, Google, Nike, Xbox, and many others. During his tenure, AKQA grew tenfold, becoming a network of 14 offices across
the world. It also became the first agency in history to receive five Agency of the Year accolades from industry publications.
In early 2016, Rei, with Rem Reynolds, founded I&CO, a global innovation firm that works with forward-thinking leaders to shape the future of their business with a focus on brand, product, and communication. Fast Company named I&CO one of the Most Innovative Companies in the World in its annual. In July 2019, I&CO opened its office in Tokyo and one in Singapore, April 2024.
Rei is a frequent speaker at numerous conferences as well as a contributor to publications, making him a thought leader and a prominent voice in the industry.
Originally from Tokyo, Rei spent his childhood and teenage years in Japan and Europe. He then moved to the US to complete his university studies with degrees in fine art and computer science.
He resides in New York City with his family.
NOTABLE RECOGNITIONS:
Fast Company Most Innovative Companies, 2019
AdColor Creativity Award, 2014
American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement, 2012
Creativity 50, 2012 / 2010 / 2008
Forbes Top 25 people in Advertising, 2012
Cannes Titanium, Grand Prix, 2008
One Show Interactive, Gold, 2007 / 2006 / 2004 / 2003
Cannes Cyber Lions, Gold, 2008 / 2004 / 2003
Art Directors Club Young Guns, 2004
JURY & BOARDS:
AICP Next, Jury Chair for Creative Data, 2023