Tag: DEPT

India – Global digital agency DEPT has been named Adobe’s Digital Strategic Innovation Partner of the Year in India. The award highlights DEPT’s work and bold, forward-thinking approach to leveraging Adobe solutions to drive digital transformation for leading brands.

Announced during Adobe’s 2024 Digital Strategic Innovation Partner Awards, this recognition celebrates alliance partners who are reshaping the digital landscape through bold innovation, technical excellence, and a shared ambition to amplify Adobe’s impact in the Indian market.

Embodying its innovation-led ethos, DEPT has delivered several initiatives within the Adobe ecosystem. A prime example is its Accessibility Plugin, which is seamlessly integrated with Adobe AEM to improve digital inclusivity. With minimal setup, the plugin enhances user experiences across abilities and supports organisations on their journey toward WCAG compliance.

The agency continues to scale its Adobe capabilities with a global team of over 550 experts, including more than 120 certified specialists, executing projects across the Adobe suite, from Adobe Experience Manager to Adobe Real-Time CDP. 

This latest accolade adds to DEPT’s history of recognition, having previously been named Adobe Solution Partner of the Year for APAC in 2019, 2021, and 2022. DEPT will be joining Adobe at the Best of Adobe Summit in Mumbai on June 4 to share insights and debut its latest Adobe-driven innovations.

With a unique 50/50 approach that merges tech with marketing, DEPT applies its experience engineering model to help brands like HDFC Bank, HSBC, Tata Capital, Bajaj Allianz, Vijay Sales, Grasim (Birla Opus), Piramal Finance, IndiaFirstLife, Apollo Tyres, Pidilite Corporate, and Tata AIA deliver faster, more innovative, and more personalised digital experiences.

Australia – DEPT has formed a strategic alliance with global professional services firm GHD to drive sustainability innovation through spatial technology. The collaboration will leverage cutting-edge AR/VR devices like the Apple Vision Pro to create immersive digital experiences that enhance decision-making in environmental planning, infrastructure, and energy management.

The companies will focus on applying artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) to sustainability challenges, making solutions more accurate, efficient, and actionable. 

By integrating advanced digital solutions with real-world applications, DEPT and GHD seek to pioneer new ways to visualise, analyse and act on critical environmental insights, including real-time environmental monitoring, digital twin technology, and AI-driven sustainability planning for cities, energy grids, and critical infrastructure.

DEPT brings its experience in digital product development, AI, and immersive technology for global brands such as Google, eBay, Lufthansa, and Ancestry. Meanwhile, GHD contributes its deep industry knowledge in engineering, architecture, environmental science, and sustainability. 

Together, they aim to transform how businesses and governments interact with complex environmental data to enable more effective climate action, resource management, and sustainable urban development.

Evan Davey, Head of Australia & NZ at DEPT, said, “Our partnership with GHD is a testament to our commitment as a B Corp to harness the power of AI and spatial technology for the greater good. By integrating cutting-edge digital solutions with GHD’s technical expertise, we are dedicated to creating impactful, sustainable innovations that empower businesses and governments to make informed, responsible decisions for a better future.”

Meanwhile, Tai Hollingsbee, head of sustainability at GHD Asia Pacific, commented, “At GHD, we are driven by creating measurable outcomes for our clients and delivering lasting community benefit through sustainable design solutions. Collaborating with DEPT® is exciting because we can extend our capabilities and transform our clients’ access to visually engaging, data-rich, actionable insights, ultimately helping them transform ambition and goals into tangible action.”

India – Global tech and marketing company DEPT is strengthening its presence in India with a new Bengaluru hub, aiming to meet the rising demand for innovative solutions across South India’s industries.

Renowned for its technology and innovation ecosystem, Bengaluru serves as an ideal base for DEPT to collaborate with local organisations, harnessing its marketing and technology expertise to drive client growth and transformation.

Rishi Bhargava, head of solution consulting at DEPT India, will lead the Bengaluru hub, collaborating with his team and partner Adobe to develop digital solutions for businesses in the region.

“We are thrilled to expand our operations into Bengaluru, a city synonymous with tech and innovation. Our goal is to collaborate with new clients and partners in the region, contributing to the thriving ecosystem here and helping businesses achieve their digital transformation goals,” Bhargava said. 

Recognised as Adobe’s Digital Partner of the Year in India, DEPT brings nearly two decades of expertise in Adobe technologies, offering tailored solutions to support businesses. The team aims to foster collaboration and address the evolving needs of the region’s dynamic market.

Talking about the expansion, Himanshu Mody, head of India at DEPT, said, “The Indian market has enormous potential, from both a talent and client perspective. This expansion to Bengaluru comes as a response to needs we’ve identified in the market from ambitious, pioneering brands that want to disrupt and innovate in their industries. Our expertise in marketing, AI, and emerging technologies enables us to create products and services that not only deliver immediate value but also adapt, learn, and scale for future demands.”

DEPT entered the Indian market in 2023 with the acquisition of Tekno Point, establishing its first office in Mumbai. Today, its team of over 700 professionals provides tech and marketing services to clients like HSBC, Tata Capital, and Bajaj Allianz. 

Over the past year, the company has expanded its local offerings with an international digital and design hub, along with enhanced SEO capabilities, further strengthening its presence in the region.

New York, USA – Creative agency Hello Monday/DEPT today announced a collaboration with NVIDIA and the American Society for Deaf Children to launch ‘Signs,’ an AI-powered web tool designed to bridge communication gaps between Deaf and hearing communities. 

‘Signs’ empowers users to learn American Sign Language (ASL) while also crowd-sourcing a growing dataset of ASL video content to expand accessibility and understanding.

Moreover, ‘Signs’ offers an interactive platform where those new to ASL can receive real-time feedback from an AI-driven 3D avatar, while experienced signers can contribute their skills to a dynamic, community-powered dataset. 

The platform is designed for a wide audience, from eager learners of ASL to fluent signers who want to support the community by contributing videos. By participating, users help expand a living ASL resource that benefits future learners and fosters meaningful connections.

The inspiration behind ‘Signs’ stems from the success of ‘Fingerspelling.xyz,’ an AI-driven platform launched in 2021 that focused on teaching the ASL alphabet. Recognized as a valuable educational tool by the American Society for Deaf Children, it became clear that a more comprehensive solution was needed to teach the full richness of ASL beyond the alphabet.

Users can access ‘Signs’ from their phones, tablets, or desktops to start their ASL learning journey. The platform offers step-by-step guidance for beginners and opportunities for ASL-proficient individuals to contribute video content that expands the learning experience for others.

Anders Jessen, founding partner at Hello Monday/DEPT, said, “We’ve long been committed to using technology for social good, and Signs is a continuation of that mission. We are honoured to partner with NVIDIA and the American Society for Deaf Children on this initiative and believe that improving ASL accessibility is an ongoing effort that deserves attention and innovation.”

Meanwhile, Michael R. Boone, manager of Trustworthy AI Product at NVIDIA, commented, “AI is driving applications that will benefit all communities. With the Signs platform, we aim to accelerate research in areas like sign language recognition, language acquisition, and assistive technologies, helping benefit the entire Deaf community.”

It is worth noting that according to the World Health Organization, over 466 million people worldwide experience disabling hearing loss, which is expected to double by 2050. In the United States, approximately 3.6% of the population, or about 11 million individuals, consider themselves deaf or have significant difficulty hearing. This number is growing, highlighting the increasing need for tools that break down communication barriers and foster connections between the Deaf and hearing communities. 

Australia – DEPT has hired Christine Watts as its new client director for creative and media in Australia. With over 15 years of experience in leading global agencies, Watts brings a wealth of expertise in client service, business development, and leadership to the team. 

In this new role, Watts will contribute to the marketing and tech services company’s growth leading relationships with clients such as eBay, Ancestry, Canon, Grill’d, and PBS Kids.

Watts has built an extensive career across various roles in the advertising industry. Her journey includes six and a half years in the United States and a leadership position at Wunderman in New York. 

Speaking on her new role, Watts said, “DEPT stands out as a true leader in the industry and I’ve had my eyes on them for a while,” said Watts. “I am thrilled to join an already high-performing team and can’t wait to leverage our expertise in creativity and data to help clients achieve their business goals. Also, there’s the bonus that they’re a B-Corp, it’s something I’m personally really passionate about.”

Meanwhile, Jessica White, vice president of creative and media at DEPT, commented, “It’s not often you find someone that brings such a unique global business perspective and that puts human relationships at the core of their job. We’re sure Christine will have a massive impact on our team and how we continue to put client relationships at the center of how we do business.”

With offices in Sydney and Melbourne and a staff of over 150, DEPT has cemented its position as a booming strategic and innovation hub in the wider APAC region, delivering impactful digital solutions that resonate with the values of its clients.

In addition to Watts, DEPT has also hired Zach Edwards as senior cultural strategist. Zach’s innovative thinking has led to award-winning campaigns for Australia Post, ANZ, Guide Dogs Australia, Dulux, and the VicGov Department of Health. 

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Global marketing and tech services company DEPT has recently recertified as a B Corp, stating that it has become first global agency to achieve this milestone. For DEPT, this recertification proves that rapid growth and responsible business can go hand in hand.

Since earning its first B Corp certification in 2021, DEPT has grown from 1,200 people in Europe to over 4,000 across five continents. But while the company has expanded its reach–and its recertification includes each DEPT location, it has also deepened its commitment to balancing profit with purpose. 

In 2024 more than 10% of its profit came from impact projects like Undo the Firewall, and Easy Genomics, and worked for clients such as Daniel’s Music Foundation, ReflexAI, Ocean Spray, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and eBay—proving that business success and doing good don’t have to be at odds. 

In the last three years, DEPT has expanded into the Americas and APAC acquired more than 10 companies and launched some of the most pioneering work in digital. But it has also ensured that every move aligns with its B Corp certification. 

From reducing its carbon footprint to embedding DEI at every level of the business, DEPT has focused on making impact scalable. The company has rolled out initiatives like living wage policies, sustainable procurement standards, and employee assistance programs across all its offices. 

Moreover, as corporate ESG commitments face increasing scrutiny, agencies face more activist activity, and regulations like the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) raise the bar for accountability, DEPT’s B Corp recertification ensures it is well-prepared to meet new requirements and continue leading by example. 

Dimi Albers, global CEO at DEPT, said, “B Corp is more than just a badge of honour. At a time when companies and governments are backing away from ESG commitments, staying B Corp certified helps us remain accountable and transparent in our operations and stay true to our values. It proves that we’re not just talking about sustainability and impact. We’re galvanising it into the DNA of how we operate, who we hire, and the work we deliver for our clients.”

Meanwhile, Pooja Dindigal, global head of impact at DEPT, commented, “The B Corp framework challenges us to keep pushing forward—to be better, more transparent, and more impactful. It’s both a north star and a catalyst for change, helping us navigate the complexities of growth while creating a more sustainable and equitable world. We are committed to this never-ending journey and excited about the positive impact we can achieve together and with our clients.”

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Global digital agency DEPT has appointed David Neal as its new global chief financial officer (CFO). In this role, David will bring together the global finance and operations team, driving innovation and streamlining processes by positioning finance as a strategic partner to the business. 

David brings substantial experience as a chief financial officer, with a proven track record in the marketing and advertising sectors across South and Southeast Asia and global leadership positions. Most recently, he served as the global CFO for Dentsu Creative and Dentsu’s production unit, Tag. 

In his new role, David will be based in London. He will leverage his extensive background to redefine the finance department as a strategic ally within DEPT, enhancing collaboration with other business units—especially operations, and people & culture. Neal will also harness the potential of AI to transform financial processes, fostering a culture of relentless curiosity and innovation. 

Speaking on his new role, David said, “During my conversations with the leadership team and colleagues, I was invigorated by the energy and ambition within DEPT. I realized this is a place where we can do things differently. I hope to transform finance into a true strategic partner, providing insights, analysis, and driving commercial growth.”

Meanwhile, Dimi Albers, global CEO at DEPT, commented, “At DEPT, we’re all about keeping innovation at the core of everything we do. By bringing our finance and operations teams closer together, we are merging two key business areas to drive strategic growth. David will help us unlock new opportunities and ensure that innovation remains at the heart of everything we do.”

David is stepping into the role as Mickey Kalifa moves on after two years with the company. 

“Mickey has been instrumental in creating a more integrated and connected finance team, but his contributions go far beyond the numbers. He’s been an invaluable part of DEPT®, leaving a lasting mark on our culture and everyone he’s worked with. We’re deeply grateful for all he’s done and wish him great success in his next chapter,” Albers said.

London, United Kingdom – Global digital agency DEPT has announced its new partnership with Shopify to unlock tomorrow’s commerce possibilities for today’s most pioneering companies. This new partnership will combine DEPT’s tech expertise with Shopify’s essential internet infrastructure for commerce to offer its clients an integrated solution that leverages technology and AI to support their business growth.

By combining DEPT’s unique blend of technology and marketing services with Shopify’s scalable platform, this partnership enables brands to thrive by supporting the entire digital customer journey—from awareness and acquisition to platform design and backend integration. 

The DEPT agency has the capabilities and award-winning industry recognition to support a variety of clients, internationally and locally, boasting a proven track record with successful digital transformation experiences including for international brands like Diageo, Meyer, Pit Viper, and Cowboy Bikes.

The agency remarked that in today’s complex digital environment, brands face the ‘multi/multi/multi challenge’—managing multiple brands, expanding into multiple markets, and engaging customers across multiple channels. 

These challenges can stifle growth, especially as businesses strive to deliver personalized, seamless experiences while adapting to new technologies like AI. Without an integrated strategy and the full capabilities to execute, brands risk falling behind in a landscape where speed and adaptability are crucial,” DEPT said in a press statement.

The DEPT and Shopify partnership is designed to tackle these complexities head-on, enabling companies to scale globally while maintaining local relevance​.

With over 125 Shopify experts, DEPT leverages its AI innovation accelerator and advanced AI tools such as Shopify’s growing suite of AI-powered tools to enhance personalization, optimise operations, and streamline omnichannel commerce. This fully integrated approach empowers enterprises to scale across regions and markets while maintaining local relevance, allowing brands to grow their commerce business from a single, unified platform.

Ritu Khanna, vice president of partnerships at Shopify, remarked, “Our global partnership with DEPT empowers brands worldwide, enabling them to seamlessly harness Shopify’s innovative commerce technology alongside DEPT’s AI-driven digital solutions to drive growth. As a leading commerce platform for brands of all sizes, Shopify is strategically positioned to deliver advanced, unified commerce solutions that support DEPT’s clients in expanding their global reach.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Dimitriou, chief client and growth officer at DEPT, commented, “This partnership unlocks possibilities to deliver unparalleled value to our clients. By integrating our commerce capabilities with Shopify’s scalable platform, we’re equipping brands to tackle the complexities of multi-brand, multi-market, and multi-channel engagement. Together, we’re not just providing tools but creating tailored commerce solutions that empower businesses and drive growth for ambitious brands.”

Australia – Ancestry, a family history company, has announced its partnership with Ampol State of Origin 2024 through an initiative titled “Discover Your Origin.” Said collaboration is a strategic push to which Ancestry not only dives into the deep roots of Australian rugby league players this season but also highlights its slate of DNA product offerings. 

The ad, developed in collaboration with partner agency DEPT®, ties DNA testing to the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) fan base and highlights its potential. Ancestry seeks to reveal the origins of the athletes’ DNA, along with some traits, by means of captivating social media content and exclusive access to talent, such as State of Origin players Ben Hunt and Tom Trbojevic. This will be demonstrated through material, demonstrating how ancestral discovery can speak to any kind of audience and encourage viewers to go out and explore on their own. 

The idea originated with Michel Gondry’s music videos for acts like Daft Punk and The White Stripes, which feature backward-moving time sequences that give his films an otherworldly and enthralling feel. AI-enhanced images, such as an 80s-style lounge space where the past and present collide, are used in the ad. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) was used by DEPT® and Ancestry to improve production efficiency. In addition to giving frames more dimension, AI made voice-over recording easier by producing a variety of options that guaranteed a flawless alignment between sounds, images, and brand identity. 

The ad is currently running and will be promoted on all platforms, including social media, TV, and VOD. Publicis Sport & Entertainment oversaw the collaboration, with DEPT® Australia handling creative creation and Spark Foundry Australia handling media strategy.

James Walmsley, head of marketing Australia and New Zealand at Ancestry, said, “DEPT really took on the challenge of embracing heritage but powering it with innovation. The use of AI to create the imagery and voice-over in this campaign was a great example of how to use this technology in a way that enhances creativity. We couldn’t be more happy with the collaboration with DEPT and their innovative spirit.” 

Meanwhile, Brad Stevens, executive creative director at DEPT®, said, “What I love about DEPT® is our constant pursuit of new ways to solve our clients’ problems. With this particular brief, we were lucky to have an ambitious client willing to embrace technology to tackle the challenge: connecting the past to the future, and doing it in a very short turnaround.” 

Mumbai, India – Global digital agency DEPT® has been named Adobe’s Digital Partner of the Year in India, during the Best of Adobe Summit event held this week in Mumbai. This recognition acknowledges DEPT®’s deep expertise and nearly two decades of successful Adobe solution implementations. 

The 2024 Adobe Digital Experience Partner Awards were announced during the event, recognising alliance partners who have made substantial contributions to joint customer success, demonstrated proficiency in Adobe technology, and have continued to expand their Adobe practices in the Indian market.

“This recognition shows the continuous commitment our teams have to our Adobe partnership, which is nearly two decades strong. Adobe products allow us to design tailored digital experiences that elevate our clients’ engagement and success, helping them stay ahead”, said Yash Mody, Global CTO DEPT® Adobe Practice. 

DEPT® has continuously invested in its Adobe expertise, currently boosting a team of over 550 experts, and over 120 certified experts, helping deliver hundreds of projects across the entire Adobe ecosystem from Adobe Experience Manager and Adobe Real-Time Customer Data Platform and beyond. The agency had previously been recognised as Adobe’s Solution Partner of the Year for APAC in 2019, 2021, and 2022. 

DEPT®’s experience engineering approach—combined with the agency’s unique 50/50 split between tech and marketing—has helped clients such as HDFC Bank, Moody’s, HSBC, Tata Capital, Bajaj Allianz, Samsung, smart, and Tata AIA realise faster time-to-market and deliver hyper-personalised experiences across channels.