The impetus behind David Kolbusz‘s exit from W+K New York is now clear. While certain parties theorized his departure was related to Wieden’s recent Bud Light win, that does not appear to be the case. Droga5 London announced that Kolbusz will be joining the agency as its chief creative officer, which would appear to be the “other opportunity” Kolbusz left W+K to pursue. It remains unclear where fellow W+K New York executive creative director Jaime Robinson will end up, but we imagine it won’t take too long for that news to break as well.
The appointment marks something of a homecoming for Kolbusz. He joined W+K in April of 2014 after over three and a half years with BBH London as as a partner, creative director and then deputy executive creative director. Prior to joining BBH he spent three years as GCD with Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.
“London is my spiritual home,” Kolbusz said. “The opportunity to head back and work with Bill to build up the Droga5 brand in the UK market proved impossible to pass up. David, Sarah (Thompson) and everyone I’ve metfrom the agency family so far all have big brains and even bigger hearts. I’m excited for the future and to see what we can do together.”
The appointment comes as Droga5 attempts to build up its London office. It follows the agency hiring former Grey London managing director Bill Scott as CEO of its U.K. operations this summer and the recent decision to close Droga5 Sydney.
“David has proven himself over and over to be truly one of the world’s best creative leaders,” said Droga5 founder and creative chairman David Droga. “In fact, I have been trying to find a way to work with David for years, and now, with both David and Bill, I couldn’t be more excited about our future in London and beyond.”