June, 2026.- The market is no longer looking for isolated initiatives. It demands comprehensive operations that connect live marketing, content, performance, CRM, trade marketing, and brand experience. Juliana Pileggi Suplicy, CEO of AKM, has spent years building an agency that can deliver exactly that.
AKM was born in the physical world, evolved in the digital space, and today operates seamlessly across all disciplines under the positioning “on, off and beyond.” “Beyond,” Suplicy explains, means going beyond traditional communication delivery—building complete relationship ecosystems between brands and people. Most agencies claim integration. AKM has structured itself to actually deliver it.
In this interview, Suplicy reflects on the merger that created AKM from two separate entities (Mix 21 and Aktuell), noting that the hardest integration was not systems but people and culture. Today, the agency projects 40% growth in a volatile market, driven by long-term client relationships and a multidisciplinary mindset. What keeps her up at night? Keeping pace with market transformation without compromising quality, creativity, and human connection.
Suplicy also addresses the “Silver Lion curse”—AKM won a Silver Lion for live marketing over a decade ago, and no other Brazilian agency has matched it. She argues that Cannes has historically celebrated traditional advertising over live experiences, but that is changing as brands seek authentic connections and memorable experiences.
Finally, she discusses AKM’s work with NGOs like Gerando Falcões, Pachamama, and Vozes das Periferias. These are not pro-bono passion projects, she insists. Social impact is embedded in AKM’s DNA and represents the clearest expression of what “beyond” truly means.
1. From Mix 21 to AKM: You’ve lived through the agency’s evolution from two separate entities (Mix 21 and Aktuell) to the fully integrated AKM. What was the hardest integration—people, culture, or systems—and how did you get it right?
The merger between Mix 21 and Aktuell took place because both companies shared a complementary vision of brand experience and innovation. Over the years, we have built a culture rooted in creative curiosity, close client relationships, and adaptability. The transition to AKM in 2021 symbolized this evolution into a fully integrated operation, with no distinction between online and offline. Today, what drives the agency is this collaborative and multidisciplinary mindset.
2. 40% Growth in a Volatile Market: You’re projecting 40% growth this year. What’s the single biggest driver of that growth, and what keeps you up at night that could derail it?
Our main driving force is our ability to deliver integrated solutions focused on both experience and results. The market is no longer looking for isolated initiatives; it now demands more comprehensive operations that connect live marketing, content, performance, CRM, trade marketing, and brand experience. AKM has evolved precisely to meet this model of being “on, off, and beyond.” In addition, we have built long-term relationships with our clients and fostered a strong culture of innovation. Our biggest challenge today is keeping pace with the speed of market transformation without compromising quality, creativity, and the human connection that have always been key differentiators for the agency.
3. “On, Off and Beyond” as a Differentiator: Every agency claims to do integrated work. What does “beyond” actually mean at AKM, and why can’t most of your competitors deliver it?
“Beyond” means going beyond the traditional delivery of communication. We no longer see boundaries between the physical and digital worlds, between campaigns and experiences, or between branding and performance. Our role is to build complete relationship ecosystems between brands and people. This encompasses everything from events and activations to strategic CRM, conversion funnels, content, media, and proprietary projects. What sets us apart is the depth of this integration and our ability to turn experiences into tangible business results. AKM was born in the physical world, evolved in the digital space, and today operates seamlessly across all these disciplines.
4. The Silver Lion Curse: AKM won a Silver Lion for Live Marketing over a decade ago, and no other Brazilian agency has matched it. Why does live marketing struggle for recognition at Cannes, and has that changed?
Historically, live marketing has faced the challenge of being fully recognized in international award shows, as much of its impact lies in live experiences and the emotional connections it creates with audiences. For many years, Cannes primarily celebrated more traditional advertising formats. This has changed significantly in recent years, driven by the growing importance of experience-led marketing, the creator economy, culture, and branded entertainment. Today, brands are increasingly seeking authentic connections and memorable experiences. The recognition of our project for Hershey’s demonstrated exactly that: creativity applied to experience can also drive innovation, impact, and meaningful engagement.
5. 1,000 Brands, 10,000 Projects: With that volume, how do you prevent the agency from becoming a production machine rather than a creative partner? What’s your retention rate for senior creative talent after 10 years?
Our focus has always been on creating memorable experiences and building lasting relationships with both clients and teams. AKM reaches its 30th anniversary with approximately 140 employees and a strong culture centered on talent development and retention. Many of our leaders have grown within the agency itself. This is possible because we foster an environment that encourages innovation, growth, and the opportunity to build something meaningful.
6. Social Impact as a Business Model: AKM works with Gerando Falcões, Pachamama, and Vozes das Periferias. Are these pro-bono passion projects, or do they drive commercial growth? What’s the ROI of purpose?
Our DNA is rooted in bringing brands, people, and causes together. Social impact has always been deeply embedded in AKM’s culture. We believe that communication is a powerful driver of transformation, and that we have a responsibility to amplify positive change in society. We work with several NGOs, providing pro bono support, and we also partner with clients who seek to create transformative projects with a strong social purpose. This is perhaps the clearest expression of what we mean by “beyond.”
