J. Walter Thompson NZ snares ex-Sapient Nitro, London’s Justin Barnes for executive CD role

After a global search, J. Walter Thompson New Zealand has hired Justin Barnes as executive creative director. Barnes, who was most recently creative director at SapientNitro in London, will take the creative reins in January.

Says Simon Lendrum, managing director, J. Walter Thompson, New Zealand: “When we set out to find our new ECD, we wanted to find a creative leader who had demonstrated the ability to build big brands, but was also fluent in new technologies. Justin is such a leader.”

Says Matt Eastwood, worldwide CCO, J. Walter Thompson: “Today more than ever we see that creating truly pioneering solutions requires an intersection of skills. It’s fantastic to welcome Justin to J. Walter Thompson, as he comes equipped with a diversity of experience that can empower us to craft even more integrated creative solutions for our clients’ brands.”

Barnes has been responsible for a multitude of highly-awarded campaigns across 15 years at ad agencies Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy and David & Goliath.

In 2010 he joined the newly-formed hybrid agency SapientNitro, there he honed his traditional and digital marketing skills, harnessing the broad spectrum of emerging media to provide innovative creative solutions for clients. At SapientNitro, Barnes spearheaded award winning multi-channel campaigns for clients across the globe, including Footlocker, Converse, McLaren Automotive, Standard Chartered Bank, Ladbrokes and Lycra.