Host launches independent creative group, The Jamboree, headed by digital CD, Bob Mackintosh, and ex-W+K Amsterdam’s David Smith

The growing list of independent creativegroups can now add a new entrant, The Jamboree, as Host’s in housedigital creative resource evolves. After five years as Host’s DigitalCreative Director Bob Mackintosh (pictured left) will move into a new role as joint head of The Jamboree. He will be joined byco Creative Director David Smith (right), who returns to Australia after five years inAmsterdam at Wieden + Kennedy and before that, Strawberry Frog. 

Smith’s recent work includes campaigns for Nike, Coca-Cola and Heineken. Other new additions to what will be an integrated team of fourteen, include Gary McCreedie and Wes Hawes who join from BBH London via Whybin\TBWA Sydney.

Host will retain in-house the twentystrong digital development team, with specialist skills in digital craft,design and technology. They will work in conjunction with The Jamboree, TheGlue Society and other Host creative partners to realize ideas that will livein digital channels.

HostCEO Anthony Freedman said: “Five years ago we established an internal digitalproduction capability that could work with all of our creative partners. In theintervening period that team grew to include writers and art directors from avariety of backgrounds but with ‘a digital DNA’. Taking stock of the talent wehad, we felt they weren’t being used to their fullest potential in a solelydigital role so we took the decision to retain the digital production teamwithin Host and evolve the creative team into an independent group more akin tothe rest of our creative partners.”

Mackintosh said: “In combining a digital creative department with writers andart directors from agencies of the calibre of Wieden + Kennedy and BBH, TheJamboree is perfectly placed to develop ideas that can exploit bought, ownedand earned media channels.”

David Smith said “I think it’s stillunusual to find a single team with a breadth of skills enabling them to developstandout integrated campaigns and truly innovative digital ideas. No doubt thiswill continue to change as digital evolves from a channel to part of everychannel but I am excited that for now Jamboree is leading that charge.”

TheJamboree will have a mandate to develop “integrated ideas which inviteparticipation” and will work alongside existing creative partners includinglong time collaborator, The Glue Society, direct and retail specialist Arcade,design group Toko and sales promotion experts Daisy.