Departure Appoints J.B. Raftus as Strategic Advisor

Production company Departure has appointed J.B. Raftus as a strategic advisor.

J.B. Raftus brings nearly four decades of agency leadership experience to his advisory role. Over 28 years at GSD&M, he held multiple senior positions before serving as chief marketing officer from 2000 to 2018. He also led the Connected Communications practice as VP/general manager for Toronto-based management consultancy Jackman, and served as EVP/director of client services at McKinney in Durham, North Carolina.

His deep experience with holding-company agencies gives him a distinctive understanding of the client–agency relationship from every perspective. At Departure, J.B. guides how the firm articulates the value of its talent solutions and enterprise offerings to CMOs and agency leaders facing the same challenges he has navigated throughout his career.

"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 executive producer. “His insights are invaluable as we help marketers, agencies, and consultants opt for smarter and more competitive production purchases.”