Independent digital marketing agency, Sparro, and content agency, Jack Nimble, have promoted Jessica Steele to the newly-created role of group business director.
Her focus will be on combining the creative services of both businesses, developing joint clients across both agencies, and managing data-driven media and creative projects.
Steele’s new position marks the group’s first dedicated cross-agency role since Sparro acquired Jack Nimble in November 2021. Their social-first creative and production has included campaigns and ongoing work for eBay, Netflix, American Express and MYOB.
Steele brings over a decade of experience working in social media, digital marketing, and account management — including previous roles at We Are Social and R/GA. Having led Sparro's content offering for almost three years, Steele has recently returned from parental leave to take up this new group-level role.
Steele said she came to Sparro from a creative background, so it was a leap of faith moving to a digital media agency — but she's loved every minute of it.
“Having the opportunity to now explore my interests in both worlds is really exciting," said Steele.
“I’ve always admired the work coming out of Jack Nimble, so it’s unreal to now be able to work directly with them. Helping them align their creative directly with data and media is an incredible opportunity."
Adam Wise, co-founder and ECD at Jack Nimble, said Jack Nimble was founded as a creative agency and production company hybrid that specialises in social-first content,.
“As we’ve grown, so too have our capabilities. Now clients are coming to us wanting our trademark social-first thinking to carry through the line," said Wise.
“That’s why I’m so excited to have Jess on board to help us as we grow our content offering. Jess knows how to bring together minds from all parts of the Sparro group — from data scientists to media experts to creatives — to help us solve creative problems. Ultimately, Jess has joined us to help pull off our vision: to make the most impactful content possible.”
Hannah Jones, GM at Sparro, said the company couldn’t be happier to have Steele working across both businesses.
“She brings an incredible perspective and positivity to what we’re trying to achieve. She knows both Jack Nimble and Sparro inside and out — so she has really grown into a bridge between our teams that can bring out the best in everyone," said Jones.
“We believe in hiring talented people early in their careers, then giving them the training, coaching and opportunities they deserve. We love seeing the industry's next leaders, like Jess Steele, growing from within our business.”
Jack Nimble’s headcount has expanded from 12 to nearly 30 since their acquisition — helped along in part by Steele overseeing Sparro’s content team move into Jack Nimble’s ranks. From around 40 people in early 2020, the combined headcount of the Sparro group — including Jack Nimble — now sits at over 110 people.
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