Hi, I’m Jake
Creative Director, Art Director by trade, and someone who still enjoys making the work as much as talking about it.
I’ve delivered internationally awarded brand, campaign, and experience projects for global organisations and ambitious brands. Working with leading agencies and clients who care about results as much as ideas, I’ve helped win pitches, build brands, and launch campaigns, learning that most problems are solved somewhere between strategy, craft, and a bit of magic.
I’m a collaborative leader who’s comfortable leading creative departments, working shoulder-to-shoulder in small teams, and getting properly hands-on when the work calls for it.
If you’re after a senior creative who can present clearly to clients and C-suite, while still sweating the details, let’s connect.
+6421 665 384
jake@jakead.com
My Journey so far
Freelance 2025 - Present
Creative Director & Art Director
Available for permanent and contract opportunities
Currently contracted at Daylight
Playing a key role in developing global and national campaigns for organisations driving meaningful change, including the World Health Organization and Southern Cross.
Working closely with strategy, design, and production teams to craft storytelling that blends creative excellence with measurable impact.
Contributing to concept development, scripting, and direction across multi-region film productions and brand campaigns.
Petdirect 2024 - 2025
Creative Director & Brand Marketing Manager
Spearheaded the development and launch of Petdirect’s first-ever brand platform.
Led an in-house design team of three, integrating freelance editors and animators efficiently for specialised projects.
Directed the brand design for Petdirect’s inaugural physical store, which was subsequently awarded Best Big Box Store in the country.
Elevated the standard of all brand communications, strategically partnering with agencies to boost efficiency and accelerate growth.
Bastion Shine 2023 - 2024
Contract Integrated Creative Director
Developed key concepts for major campaigns, including the Air New Zealand rebrand and Christmas campaign.
Creative Directed a nationwide Spark SME campaign and oversaw large-budget Spark campaigns, including TV commercial productions, leading junior creative teams.
True 2022 - 2023
Associate Creative Director
Led the creative output for Ballance, the agency’s largest client.
Managed all aspects of national shoots across New Zealand, fostering strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
Special Auckland 2021 - 2022
Contract Associate Creative Director
Brought in to bring the Kiwibank rebrand to life during lockdown.
Played a key role in numerous new business pitches and secured significant projects with existing clients.
YoungShand 2020 - 2021
Creative Group Head
Responsible for creating multiple award-winning campaigns and securing new business through successful pitches.
Worked in a creative team while also providing creative direction to teams.
Colenso BBDO 2015 - 2020
Creative Group Head
Served as Creative Group Head for Spark, the agency’s top client.
Worked in a creative team while simultaneously leading multiple creative teams on the account.
Instrumental in winning numerous international awards and driving significant new business wins through competitive pitches.
RappTribal 2012 - 2015
Senior Creative
Publicis Mojo 2008 - 2012
Creative