Former CEO, AKQA and President, WPP Ventures
Tom Bedecarré was Co-Founder and CEO of AKQA, the leading digital advertising agency. Tom was also President of WPP Ventures, where he explored Silicon Valley-based investment opportunities for WPP, the world’s largest communications services group.
Working at the intersection of technology and advertising, Tom was named “Silicon Valley’s Favorite Adman” by Fortune magazine, which described him as a “rare hybrid” who “has cred with techies and Mad Men alike.” Tom was also recognized as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year for his leadership and innovation in the media and marketing services industry.
Following his DCI Fellowship, Tom has been an active mentor to Stanford students and in 2018 he was honored with the Jon Blum Outstanding Alumni Mentor Award. Tom is currently an Adjunct Lecturer in the Stanford Technology Ventures Program.
In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in political science, Tom received an MBA in marketing and management policy from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Tom met his wife Maggie while working on Madison Avenue in New York. Maggie and Tom have been married since 1984 and have three children.
Partner: Maggie Bedecarré