Droga5 London Appoints Matt Waksman Head of Strategy

Left to right, Will Hodge, chief strategy officer, and Matt Waksman, head of strategy​

​Droga5 London, part of Accenture Song, has appointed Matt Waksman as head of strategy. Starting this October, Matt will report directly to Will Hodge, chief strategy officer, Droga5 London.

Recognised as one of the industry’s leading strategic voices, Matt joins from Ogilvy UK, where he served as group head of strategy and has been at the helm of some of the world's biggest brands including Jameson Whiskey, as well as winning and leading national icons including Dulux, Kettle Chips, and Comic Relief. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Droga5 London, as the agency builds fresh momentum under new leadership, supported by Accenture Song’s global scale and capabilities.

His arrival also marks a reunion with Charlotte Farrington, managing director of Droga5 London, with whom he previously spent seven years at Karmarama. There, he led the iconic British Army campaign, now considered a gold-standard government effectiveness case study, alongside celebrated work for Lucky Saint, Honda, and Costa Coffee.

Will said, “Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Matt knows he is generational talent. We are thrilled he’s joining Droga5 and can’t wait to welcome him into the leadership team as we continue to write this exciting next chapter. His unique combination of strategic rigour, creative flair and progressive leadership will make us go even faster.”

In his new role, Matt will oversee the strategy department and work across a diverse range of brands and accounts. He succeeds Tamara Conyngham, who has been an exceptional contributor to Droga5 London and is leaving to pursue new opportunities.

On his appointment, Matt said, “Clients need partners with next-level creativity, technology and chutzpah. Droga5, with Accenture, has the unarguable fundamentals to offer just that, but it’s the people that made this role irresistible for me. Will, Charlotte and I have a track record of creating famous and transformational work together, and Bill and Tara’s reputation for their exceptional leadership and vision is globally recognised. I cannot wait to build something truly special for clients alongside them in Droga5’s next era.”

Beyond client work, Matt is known for his industry leadership and advocacy. He was named The Drum’s Champion of Change for his commitment to using advertising as a force for good and has spearheaded pro bono initiatives for organisations including The Elton John AIDS Foundation, All Out, Relate, and Classical Pride.

​David Golding, co-founder NCA and exec planning partner, Ogilvy UK said, “I have enjoyed every minute of working with Matt. He is truly brilliant as a person, a brain and a sounding board. I can only wish great things for him in his future.”