Independent creative marketing agency, JWI, has promoted Ben Thomas (above) to the role of creative director.

The firm – whose clients have included Bacardi and Bombay Sapphire – said the move marks a key development in its leadership team, as it “strengthens its position in the Middle East market”.

Thomas joined JWI in 2017 as the agency’s first in-house designer, part of a four-person setup but without a dedicated creative team in place.

“This promotion is a big moment for me, not just for the title, but for what it represents. I’ve grown with this agency from day one, and now I want to make sure others get that same opportunity,”  said Thomas.

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“My focus is on pushing our creative work forward, mentoring the next generation of talent and keeping JWI original, intentional and bold.”

Over the past seven years, Thomas has played a central role in building the agency’s creative capabilities, “growing it from a one-person function to a multidisciplinary team, and helping to shape the bold, content-first work JWI is known for”, said the agency.

In his new role, Thomas will lead JWI’s creative output. He joins Charli Wright, managing director and owner, and Adele Baxter, client services director, as part of JWI’s leadership team.

The announcement follows Wright’s recent acquisition of the business, which she has led in the region for the past decade.

“Ben has been a part of JWI in the Middle East from the very beginning, from being the only creative in the business to now leading a talented multidisciplinary team,” said Wright.

“This promotion reflects years of growth, hard lessons and shared successes.”