Advertising Leader Affirmed AI Role in Creative Work

Stagwell Vice Chairman David Sable explained how agencies can leverage AI tools without replacing human creative teams.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Advertising

Bold vector editorial illustration of an artist's brush and a geometric block, symbolizing the integration of AI tools in creative work. — Stagwell Vice Chairman David Sable argued that artificial intelligence should be leveraged as a tool for creative expression rather than a replacement for human staff. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Stagwell vice chairman David Sable discussed the integration of artificial intelligence in advertising at an Advertising Week New York session. He argued that AI serves as a tool for expression rather than a replacement for human creativity.

Why it matters

The discussion centered on the evolving operational integration of AI in agency workflows, emphasizing the need for agencies to balance technological adoption with the preservation of human-led creative strategy.

Stagwell vice chairman David Sable brings 50 years of experience to the debate over artificial intelligence. The long-term trend remains focused on the integration of AI tools within agency creative departments.

The players

David Sable

Vice chairman of Stagwell who has spent five decades navigating changes in the global advertising industry.

Cloe Fang

Head of partnerships at OpenArt AI, a company focused on the application of generative artificial intelligence.

Stagwell

A global marketing and communications network that provides digital transformation and creative services.

OpenArt AI

A technology firm providing artificial intelligence tools designed for creative and artistic production.

The details

During a session at Advertising Week New York, Sable and OpenArt AI head of partnerships Cloe Fang explored how generative technology influences creative output. Sable contended that while AI provides new mechanisms for creators to express ideas, it remains a supportive tool that cannot replicate the core functions of human ingenuity.

David Sable began his career in the advertising industry in 1976.
The session featuring Sable and Fang occurred on the morning of October 5, 2026.

Market Landscape

The session at Advertising Week New York follows the broader industry pattern established during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike negotiations regarding the role of AI in professional creative labor. This conversation highlights how agencies are defining the boundaries between human input and automated output.

Operators should evaluate how their current creative processes incorporate AI, focusing on where technology augments output rather than substituting staff. Monitor internal workflow adjustments as these tools become standard in agency service offerings.

The takeaway

The essential insight is that agency leaders view AI as a force multiplier for creative expression rather than a complete replacement for talent. Focus your team on testing AI-driven design tools while maintaining rigorous human oversight to ensure brand voice remains consistent.