McCann UK named AJ Jones as its new chief strategy officer, beginning Oct. 1.

She will be responsible for continuing the ad agency’s effectiveness momentum, as it received an IPA Effectiveness accreditation and a Gold Creative Effectiveness Lion in the last few months.

In a note to staffers shared with Little Black Book, Jones said, “As a strategist, I’ve learned so much from the different cultures I’ve experienced while away, and I’m really looking forward to applying those global perspectives to a market I’ve known well.”

Jones returns to the U.K. after spending nearly five years as CSO for McCann Canada. During her tenure there, she focused on delivering culturally resonant work, with the agency earning Silver for Digital Agency of the Year in 2024, Bronze for Agency of the Year in 2023, and Silver for Digital Agency of the Year in 2022. 

Joshua Hansen will take over for Jones as McCann Canada’s CSO.

AJ’s impact on our business cannot be overstated. She has made McCann Canada a stronger, more effective agency in every way,” said Ryan Timms, president of McCann Canada, in a statement. “While she’ll be dearly missed in Canada, we’re thrilled that she’ll remain within the family.”