Venice-based independent agency Zambezi named Ben George and Nick Rodgers as its two newest creative directors this week, promoting the ACDs who led the shop’s winning pitches for the Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book accounts.
Cox Automotive owns both of those brands, which Zambezi won them in the same late 2015 pitch after working on Autotrader on a project basis. (The client had been with Doner for 16 years.)
The two first began working together when Zambezi brought copywriter George onboard from Saatchi & Saatchi L.A. to work with Rodgers on the TaylorMade Golf account. After winning the Cox brands, the two then collaborated to lead the “recent millennial-themed campaign” for Autotrader, which has involved Instagram influencer executions and Olympics tie-ins and, of course, dating trends. Most importantly, they worked on the Star Wars socks. You know the ones.
Regarding the promotions, partner and ECD Josh DiMarcantonio said:
“Ben and Nick are prolific creative thinkers who bring the same passion and commitment to every project they touch. They are a huge part of our Zambezi family and we are excited to see them grow and excel as creative leaders.”
Prior to writing copy for Toyota at Saatchi, George worked for CP+B Boulder (Burger King, Sprite, VW). Rodgers held art director/junior art director positions at Dailey and GS&P, where he contributed to the Sprint, Sonic, and Cheetos accounts, among others.
“What’s truly great about Zambezi is they really trust and empower their employees,” said George, calling Cox “one of the most collaborative and caring clients around.” For his part, Rodgers said, “I feel like I’ve grown up here. I’m excited to take on a bigger role and become a bigger part of this agency.”
We see a theme developing here: Stronger Together.