Global creative innovation company R/GA has announced the promotion of Melissa Jackson Parsey to the role of Global Chief Strategy Officer, reporting directly to Global CEO Robin Forbes.
In this new position, Jackson Parsey will lead R/GA’s global strategy team, harnessing the power of data, technology, and creativity to craft more connected, measurable brand experiences. She will play a pivotal role in shaping both the agency’s strategic direction and that of its clients.
“Melissa is the kind of leader who sees around corners,” said Robin Forbes, Global CEO of R/GA. “She understands not just where the industry is going, but what clients need right now. Her ability to blend strategic clarity with creative ambition makes her exactly the right person to help lead R/GA’s global strategy team into our next era.”
Speaking on her new role, Melissa Jackson Parsey shared,
“In a time when our clients are navigating transformation, complexity, and growing pressure to deliver returns on innovation—strategy must lead. I’m incredibly energized to take on this role at such a critical and exciting moment for R/GA. We have the opportunity to reimagine what design and technology can unlock for businesses and our industry. That’s the future I believe in, and the future we’re building at R/GA.”
Prior to this appointment, Jackson Parsey served as SVP, Managing Director of R/GA’s Brand Design & Consulting practice, where she spearheaded its global reinvention and helped deliver some of the agency’s most commercially successful and creatively recognized years.
With a strong background in brand transformation, Jackson Parsey has led initiatives for industry giants such as Microsoft, Under Armour, Google, IBM, the United Nations, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s brand portfolio. Her career spans strategic leadership roles at B-Reel, co:collective, and a decade across various WPP agencies.
Her appointment comes at a moment of rapid growth and transformation for R/GA, which became an independent company in March 2025 through a partnership with Truelink Capital. Since gaining independence, R/GA has attracted new clients including LinkedIn, launched a Global AI Products team, released a proprietary AI Search Optimization Platform, and introduced innovative AI-driven work for brands like AB InBev, Google, and Moncler.
This leadership change signals R/GA’s continued commitment to driving meaningful business impact through innovation, strategy, and creative excellence.
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