For an individual who has brought about a major positive impact on the world, or a specific group, community, cause or organisation – either through giving, philanthropy, impact-investing or some other means (in the last 12 months).
This award was new for 2022.
Sponsored by Stewardship
Ajaz Ahmed founded digital creative agency AKQA in 2001 when he was just 21. In 2012 WPP, then led by Sir Martin Sorrell, acquired a majority stake in a deal that valued the company – which counts Nike, Rolls-Royce, LVMH and Volvo among its clients – at $540 million.
But it is Ahmed’s work with his foundation, Ajaz.org, and its support of disadvantaged families and children across the UK, which is recognised by The Spear’s Impact Award.
Ahmed has worked closely with Nicola Brentnall, former chief executive of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, to hone his philanthropy. He has substantially increased and intelligently targeted his giving through Ajaz.org, which makes grants to small charities in the UK – and also celebrates and shares the work of deserving ‘unsung heroes’.