Top Bangladeshi creative talent Akrum Hossain joins POP5 in Chief Creative Officer role
The highly-awarded Akrum Hossain has joined POP5 Bangladesh as Chief Creative Office. POP5 is an independent full-service communications agency with a mission to redefine creativity through insightful and purpose-driven innovation. With a legacy of groundbreaking accomplishments and an unyielding vision to showcase Bangladesh’s creative talent on the global stage, Hossain’s leadership at POP5 marks the beginning of an inspiring new chapter for the agency.
With its foundation steeped in inclusivity and empowerment, POP5 draws inspiration from popular culture and the five senses of communication, embodying its mission to connect meaningfully with audiences worldwide. The agency boasts a leadership team with over 120 years of combined experience and aims to redefine the Bangladeshi advertising sphere with innovative tools and strategies.
Under Hossain’s stewardship, POP5 aims to expand into 10 international markets within the next decade, striking a balance between global ambition and a steadfast commitment to purpose-driven work.
“I want to take Bangladesh’s creative industry to the global level and wave our nation’s flag at every major creative festival in the world. It’s time the world recognizes the immense talents we have to offer,” said Hossain.
Hossain’s ambitious plans include the launch of the Inclusive Creative Council (ICC) in 2025. This non-profit initiative, spearheaded under POP5, will focus on empowering creative minds from underrepresented regions. By providing mentorship, resources, and strategic guidance, ICC aims to equip these talents to compete on the global stage.
Hossain’s journey in advertising began at Grey Dhaka, where he led initiatives like Cannes Lion and EFFIEs winning AgroBanking – a project that turned fresh produce into bank accounts for farmers – and the Child Marriage Prevention Loan, a groundbreaking social campaign. Other notable projects include Impossipuzzle, BeeBoard, and Language Matters.
As Executive Creative Director at Asiatic MCL, Hossain transformed the agency into a trailblazer in the creative industry, earning the accolade of “Number 1 Agency in Bangladesh” in the Campaign Brief Asia Creative Rankings.
His tenure saw Asiatic achieve unprecedented success, with campaigns like The Unwritten Story and Plastic Farming securing Cannes Lions shortlist positions, and Plastic Exchange Store gaining global recognition for its innovative approach to environmental sustainability. These achievements earned the agency Spikes Gold, AdFest Silver and Bronze, and a historic 16 metals at Mad Stars, including three Golds and 49 finalist positions.
Hossain has served as a jury member at prestigious global festivals including Cannes Lions, AdFest, Spikes Asia, Mad Stars, and Effie Awards. He was recognised as one of Creativepool’s 25 Influential ECDs and included in Best Ads’ Top 50 ECDs.