Hello I'm John

I'm a keen sailor, cyclist, swimmer, traveller, and cook. I love the outdoors, podcasts, all things biohacking, and walking the dog.

For work, I've followed creative passions.

I love a creative challenge, I enjoy getting to know clients and their industries in the process, and I have always pushed for mixing up my craft and output, resulting in a diverse range of skills and experience.

After studying Graphic Design at Enmore Design College in Sydney, I have spent over 20 years working in design, branding, and advertising in both Sydney and London.

In recent years I’ve specialised in sport, entertainment and culture. As Creative Director at The Gemba Group I connect big brands with some of the worlds best athletes, artists and global sporting properties and events, creating campaigns, brand experiences and content.

Previously, I was Creative Director at Octagon, doing similar things.

Ive also worked client side, for one of Australia's largest telco's, Optus. This involved working with numerous agencies to produce a wide range of campaigns. I was also responsible for establishing an internal creative agency ‘Yes Agency’ to implement the business’s vision of becoming a mobile first broadcaster and content provider.

Prior to this, I was a founding partner and Creative Director of LiversedgeWeir, a creative collective providing branding solutions.

This website is a sample of some of my work that illustrates my passion for great ideas and quality production.

I hope you enjoy.

Achievements:

  • Cannes Lions: Mastercard The Live Trophy. Bronze Award, Entertainment Lions For sport. 2021… ‘have a look’

  • CLIO Sports: Silver Award 2020 for Mastercard The Live Trophy

  • Annual Chief Marketer PRO Awards: Gold Award 2020 for “Best Integrated Campaign”, for Mastercard The Live Trophy

  • Annual Chief Marketer PRO Awards: Silver Awards 2020 in the “Best Sports Sponsorship or Tie-In” and “Best Use of Event or Experiential Marketing” for Mastercard The Live Trophy

  • ANA International ECHO Award for Data Inspired Creativity 2020: best video content for QBE Swans Story… ‘have a look’

  • Nielson Sport 2020: QBE Swans Story acknowledged as the top sports campaign globally during Covid 19

  • Judge @ International ECHO Awards for Data Inspired Creativity, Virtual 2019

  • Judge @ International ECHO Awards for Data Inspired Creativity, NYC 2018

  • Established Bondi Salties 2013: in 2013 after 8 years of freezing Uk pond swims, 3 mates (myself Al and JR) were finally able to ocean swim again. Friday 6:30am North Bondi ramp soft sand and bay lap became a regular thing. Now Bondi’s largest ocean swim group (not sure if true, sounds good though).

  • Sports Industry Awards, UK 2011: Best sponsorship of a sport team or individual, for Teams Sky

  • Desk Top magazine 2005 Create Awards: website design Tight Knickers.

  • Silver Pencil, Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association 2004: promotional website design category, Tight Knickers… ‘have a look’