2023 Creative LIAisons Coaches

Michael Olaye

SVP, Managing Director – Strategy & innovation
R/GA
Austin
, United States of America

Michael has built a distinguished 24-year career in the digital industry, blending technology, creativity, growth and product development. He started as a Flash Designer and Coder and became a creative technologist and full-stack engineer, working for top companies such as Hyperlink-Interactive, U-Dox, BBC, Radley Yeldar and The Creative Partnership.

As a founding member of the creative agency U-Dox, he helped the company partner with major brands such as adidas, Nike, and New Balance through their sneaker brand organization, Crooked Tongues. Today, the brand is part of ASOS.

Michael's career journey has seen him take on senior positions, including Head of Technology and Innovation at Havas, Chief Technology Officer at Oliver Agency, CEO/CTO at Experience agency Dare in the UK, and most recently, Chief Growth Officer at The North Alliance, a leading creative and technology specialist group in Scandinavia. 

He has significantly contributed to numerous well-known brands, including adidas, American Express, Nike, Vans, New Balance, MTV, BMW Group, JPMorgan & Chase, Unilever, Credit Suisse, Chivas, Ella's Kitchen, Durex and Minecraft.

Throughout his career, Michael has received various awards individually and as part of his teams, including Cannes Lions, LIA, D&AD, Guldagget, Eurobest, Cristal, and Clios. 

Currently, he serves as SVP, Managing Director - Strategy & Innovation at R/GA, and is based in the US, bringing his expertise and leadership to the digital industry.