Departure, the production company built to centralize hundreds of directors under one roof, has tapped longtime agency leader J.B. Raftus as strategic advisor.
Based in Austin, Raftus brings nearly four decades of brand and agency expertise to the role. He spent 28 years at GSD&M, culminating as Chief Marketing Officer from 2000–2018, and later led the Connected Communications practice as VP/GM at Toronto consultancy Jackman. He also served as EVP/Director of Client Services at McKinney (Durham, NC).
At Departure, Raftus will help sharpen the company’s go-to-market strategy for enterprise clients—translating its creator network and production model into clear business value for CMOs, agency leaders, and consultancies navigating cost, speed, and scale pressures. His remit includes advising on positioning and packaging talent solutions, and on executive-level conversations that bridge marketing goals with production outcomes.
“J.B.’s deep experience with holding-company agencies gives him a unique perspective on the client-agency relationship from every angle,” said Luke Lashley, Departure founder and EP. “His insights are invaluable as we help marketers, agencies, and consultants opt for smarter and more competitive production purchases.”
Raftus’ appointment underscores Departure’s pitch to the market: consolidate creative firepower, simplify procurement, and deliver studio-level efficiency without sacrificing craft. With brands and agencies seeking elastic production partners, his track record of building modern, integrated capabilities is set to accelerate Departure’s next phase of growth.
REEL 360 News wishes J.B. the best of luck in his new role.
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