POP5, an innovative full-service communications agency, has appointed Mohammad Akrum Hossain as its new Chief Creative Officer (CCO). Known for his transformative work in the Bangladeshi advertising industry, Akrum’s leadership marks a significant new direction for the agency, one that positions it for global expansion and sets the stage for redefining creativity in the advertising world.
Akrum Hossain’s career is a testament to his exceptional creative vision and commitment to making a lasting impact on both the local and global advertising landscapes. His journey began at Grey Dhaka, where he led several ground-breaking initiatives, including the award-winning AgroBanking, which turned fresh produce into bank accounts for farmers, and the Child Marriage Prevention Loan, a pioneering social campaign that garnered international attention. These initiatives set the foundation for his illustrious career, which continued to flourish as he took on the role of Executive Creative Director at Asiatic MCL, one of Bangladesh’s most respected agencies.
At Asiatic MCL, Akrum helped transform the agency into a leader in the creative industry, earning the title of Number 1 Agency in Bangladesh according to Campaign Brief Asia. Under his guidance, Asiatic achieved significant success with campaigns such as The Unwritten Story and Plastic Farming, both of which secured Cannes Lions shortlist positions. The Plastic Exchange Store initiative, focused on environmental sustainability, gained international recognition and cemented Akrum’s reputation as a forward-thinking creative leader.
With over 120 years of combined leadership experience at POP5, the agency is poised to revolutionize the Bangladeshi advertising landscape with its unique combination of creativity, strategic insights, and purpose-driven innovation. Under Akrum’s leadership, POP5 aims to expand its footprint into 10 international markets within the next decade. This bold expansion is not only about reaching new markets, but about elevating Bangladesh’s creative potential on the global stage. Akrum’s vision is clear: to ensure that the world recognizes the immense talent that Bangladesh has to offer and to position the country as a hub for innovative and impactful advertising.
Reflecting on his goals for the future, Hossain shared, “I want to take Bangladesh’s creative industry to the global level and wave our nation’s flag at every major creative festival. It’s time for the world to see the immense talents we have, and I’m determined to showcase that on every platform possible.”
As part of his ambitious plan, Akrum will also launch the Inclusive Creative Council (ICC) in 2025. This non-profit initiative, driven by POP5, will focus on empowering creative minds from underrepresented regions, providing them with mentorship, resources, and strategic guidance to help them compete on the global stage. This initiative aligns with Akrum’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the creative industry, ensuring that talent from all corners of the world has the opportunity to shine.
POP5 itself is grounded in inclusivity and empowerment, drawing inspiration from popular culture and the five senses of communication to connect meaningfully with global audiences. With its emphasis on purpose-driven work, POP5’s campaigns are designed not just to capture attention, but to spark meaningful conversations and drive social change. Akrum’s leadership will further this mission, ensuring that creativity at POP5 goes beyond the surface to make a real impact in both the advertising industry and society as a whole.
In addition to his groundbreaking work at Asiatic MCL, Akrum has earned recognition as a thought leader within the global advertising community. He has served as a jury member at prestigious global festivals, including Cannes Lions, AdFest, Spikes Asia, and Mad Stars, and has been named one of Creativepool’s 25 Influential ECDs and included in Best Ads’ Top 50 ECDs. His influence extends beyond his own creative output, as he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of creative leaders around the world.
Akrum’s appointment at POP5 signals the start of a new era for both the agency and Bangladesh’s advertising industry as a whole. With a clear global vision, a commitment to purpose-driven creativity, and a passion for empowering emerging talent, Akrum is positioned to lead POP5 into the future of advertising. His work will not only raise the profile of Bangladesh on the world stage, but also push the boundaries of what’s possible in creative communications, ensuring that the next wave of global campaigns is inspired by the innovative spirit of Bangladesh.
As POP5 looks towards its global future, Akrum’s leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s direction, helping it redefine what it means to be a creative agency in today’s world. His commitment to global excellence, paired with a dedication to nurturing local talent, makes him the ideal leader to drive POP5’s ambitious goals.
Website: pop-5.com
