Host lures ex-GPY&R Sydney ECD Julian Watt for joint-ECD role with existing ECD Bob Mackintosh

| | 17 Comments

Julian_Bob.jpgHost has appointed Julian Watt, the ex-executive creative director at GPY&R Sydney – who departed the agency in November – as joint ECD, sharing creative leadership with existing Host ECD, Bob Mackintosh.

Originally from South Africa, Watt (far left) moved to Sydney in late 2007 from Net#work BBDO, South Africa’s most maverick creative agency. Under his creative directorship, it was awarded South Africa’s Agency of the Year five times in six years and received numerous international awards including a Grand Prix at Cannes for the Nedbank solar paneled billboard, which powered a school kitchen feeding 1100 undernourished children each day.

Since arriving in Australia he has lead the creative departments at 303 Sydney and most recently GPY&R Sydney. Whilst at GPY&R Sydney the agency was judged Australia’s most Effective Agency at The Australian Effie Awards for its work on ‘Vinnies Signed Finds’ for St Vincent de Paul Society. The campaign reversed a retail trend, driving 9.5% growth, almost four times the average growth in retail at that time. The campaign also received Gold at AWARD, Effies and ADMA.

Says Watt: “I’ve always appreciated Host’s commitment to bold, ambitious and effective ideas for its clients. Provocative thinkers. I’m excited to join in and amplify that.”

Says Mackintosh (above right): “Julian is a seasoned ECD with an enviable body of innovative work. I am really excited about what we will be able to achieve together in the years ahead.”

Says Anthony Freedman, Host founder and group CEO: “Last year we made a commitment to bring creative leadership inside the building at Host and based on initial success, we’ve made the call to double that commitment.”

Watt joins Host following recent wins including NBN Co, V8 Supercars, Fetch TV and Carnival Cruises.