David Kolbusz has moved to the US to become chief creative officer of independent agency, Lightning Orchard, which is rebranding as Orchard. He takes over from Jeff Kling, the agency’s co-founder and chief creative officer.

Kolbusz was instrumental in transforming Droga5 London into one of the world’s most applauded creative shops, winning Adweek’s International Agency of the Year in 2020. During his tenure as chief creative officer, Droga5 gained clients such as Coca-Cola, VW, Amazon, Mini, Barclaycard, and others. Prior to joining Droga5 London as chief creative officer, Kolbusz was executive creative director at Wieden + Kennedy, New York, deputy creative director/partner at BBH London, and group creative director at Goodby Silverstein & Partners. 

He joins Lightning Orchard during a significant period of growth for the agency. It was awarded Gold in Inc.’s 2021 Best in Business List, and co-founder-chief strategy officer, Laura Janness, was named as one of Ad Age’s 2021 Women to Watch.

Chief executive officer and co-founder, Barney Robinson, stated “David and I both worked at BBH. I distinctly remember our first encounter. I was talking to Nigel Bogle when David came over, chatted briefly and left. As he walked away Nigel turned to me and said, ‘That guy’s a fucking genius’. I remember it so vividly because it was the only time in 14 years I ever heard Nigel say that about anyone.”

Laura Janness, Lighting Orchard co-founder and chief strategy officer, added “Having worked with David for a few years in one of our past lives together, I know what an incredible partner he is and I can’t wait to pick up where we left off.”

Kolbusz commented, “You couldn’t ask for two better people to run an agency with. Laura pairs a fierce intelligence with empathy and heart – she is my strategic soulmate and I’ve been trying to work with her again since I left Goodby. And Barney is the best kind of business person. A no-bullshit, high-integrity individual who loves and cares deeply about the work. In just a few short years they, along with the wider team at Lightning Orchard, have set about not only to grow a robust business but also redefine how an advertising shop looks and operates. I’m excited about what we can all achieve together.”

Moving to Lightning Orchard also reunites Kolbusz with its executive creative director, Jimm Lasser and creative director, Conor Dooley. The trio worked together at Wieden + Kennedy NY.

The agency will undergo a visual re-brand and formal name change in the months to come.

Cover image l-r: Laura Janness, Barney Robinson & David Kolbusz