AMV BBDO has promoted Kelly Knight to serve as its first chief diversity and HR officer. She will work with senior leadership at the agency to ramp up its efforts building a culture which is inclusive, celebrates and recognizes diversity. Her responsibilities also include ensuring that AMV’s services and strategy are aligned to the agency’s cultural goals. She reports to Sarah Douglas, CEO.
Knight has spent her career working in human resources and was appointed by AMV as HR director in 2006. As well as championing HR initiatives at AMV, Knight is active in industry-wide campaigns to make careers in advertising more accessible to people who are under-represented.
She was part of the IPA’s Creative Skillset Working Party, which developed the first advertising apprenticeship in 2012, and is now a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships. Knight also sits on the IPA’s Creative Pioneers Board and is a member of the association’s Future of Talent Strategy Group.
Earlier this year she was included on the inaugural IPA iList, which recognizes individuals for their game-changing dedication to improving the diversity and inclusivity of the advertising industry.
Knight said, “Diversity, equality and inclusion is in my DNA. From the moment I started at AMV I worked with the IPA to address the lack of diversity in our industry. I’m delighted that this is being formally recognized and I will strive to continue to work with my agency and the wider industry in the pursuit of equality.”
Douglas said, “Kelly is the consummate human resources professional. Along with that, she has a vision for how our industry in general, and AMV in particular, can build a more diverse workforce and a culture that is truly inclusive, as well as the skills to make her vision a reality. This promotion is recognition of her achievements as well as signifying the continuing commitment AMV has to building the best possible workplace.”
