Chris James appointed ECD of experiential agency Imagination

Experiential agency Imagination has hired Chris James as executive creative director for both Sydney and Melbourne.

James previously spent time at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne where he was the executive creative director of digital.

Chris James joins Imagination from Clemenger BBDO Melbourne

Previously, James was the founder, managing director and ECD of marketing agency Rhubarb & Custard. James has also worked at M&C Saatchi, Ogilvy and BMF.

In his new role, James will be expanding Imagination’s technology-based experience offering.

James said of his new role: “I’ve been working with Imagination since February as a digital consultant and I was flattered when the business approached me to take the ECD gig. The opportunity to lead a creative team that already delivers brilliant solutions that marry the physical and digital worlds was an offer too good to be missed. In the last 6 months Imagination has opened my eyes to a world of creative and engagement opportunities outside advertising and I can truly say I’m like a kid in a candy store.

“I haven’t been this excited about a creative opportunity in a long time. Imagination is globally renowned when it comes to physical and live experiences, so to have a different approach to creative leadership sends a pretty strong message to the market.”

Heath Campanaro, director of Imagination Australia, said in a statement: “In such a short time Chris has demonstrated his ability to lead our creative offering across the board. We’ve long led the way in digital and technology experiences at Imagination, and it made complete sense for us to focus our creative leadership in this area. Chris’ appointment is a defining moment for us and demonstrates our commitment to a future where technology, measurement and data are at the heart of connected brand experiences.”