Host co-executive creative director Julian Watt heads to UK as agency decides on replacement
Creative director Julian Watt, who first came to prominence in Australia when he joined 303 Sydney (later 303Lowe) as executive creative director, is leaving his post at Host to move to the UK.
Watt forged a successful career in Australia, helping to build the credentials of 303 as the agency emerged from its Perth roots to become a national agency.
He then moved on to be come ECD at George Patterson Y&R Sydney where he was involved in restructuring the creative department and helped the agency triumph at the Effies before joining Host in 2014.
Host group chief executive Anthony Freedman said the agency was sorry to lose Watt, who is moving to the UK for personal reasons, and that a replacement would not be announced until the new year.
“Julian has made an outstanding contribution to our business, and in partnership with our co-ECD Bob Mackintosh, has built a creative department and culture of which we are extremely proud,” said Freedman.
Watt said his time at the agency had been marked by a number of successes.
“I leave with a heavy heart and have loved my time with the agency,” said Watt.
“The stage is set for Host to have an excellent 2016 off the back of strong growth this year.”
Simon Canning
