Versus Expands Creative Leadership With Jay Harwood as Executive Creative Director

Apr. 15, 2025

Versus, the culture-driving creative and production studio, has named Jay Harwood as Executive Creative Director. In this role, Harwood will work alongside ECD Justin Barnes to lead creative across all divisions, uniting live action, VFX and design to deliver bold work.

With a career spanning 20 years, Harwood has built a reputation for fusing craft and innovation. His experience includes leadership roles at production studios and digital agencies developing creative systems, scaling global teams and solving complex briefs across formats. A former VFX supervisor turned director, Harwood has led creative for clients and campaigns that have earned Emmy, Cannes Lion and One Show recognition.

Justin Barnes, co-founder and executive creative director at Versus, said:

“Jay brings a sharp, creative eye and a constant curiosity about what’s next. He’s comfortable moving between entertainment, advertising and branded work exploring new technology without ever losing sight of the craft. We’re excited to have him shaping what’s next across all our divisions.”

 

Energized by Versus’ momentum and hands-on production model, Harwood said he’s drawn to the opportunity to lead in a studio where storytelling is shaped not just by ideas, but by how those ideas are made.

Harwood said:

“Versus is building something rare; it’s a studio where originality and infrastructure coexist. The talent, momentum and ambition here are impressive. I’m looking forward to pushing the work with people who care deeply about the how as much as the what.”