PR and communications agency, History Will Be Kind (HWBK), has announced the acquisition of Sydney-based brand and design agency, DOUBLESTAR CO, bringing brand building and reputation communications strategy under one team.
Founded in 2019 by Jye Smith and Baptiste C David, DOUBLESTAR CO joins HWBK in full, with all team members transitioning across. The acquisition expands HWBK’s offering across brand and creative strategy, earned media, influencer and social campaigns, and in-house production, content, film and digital design.
Founder and CEO of HWBK, EJ Granleese, said: “Since we launched in 2014, we've challenged the status quo and evolved to not only meet the market, but lead it. We’ve built our reputation on data-driven, insight-led communications work at the intersection of creativity, culture and impact.
“Working with the expertise of the DOUBLESTAR CO team, including Jye who steps in as HWBK’s Executive Creative Director, our thinking can now start earlier and run deeper - from what a brand needs to stand for, through to how it shows up, the communications that earn it a place in hearts and minds, and the approach needed to win in the AI age. All built and working together, rather than handed off along the way.”
HWBK MD, Edwina Brook, said: “It’s an exciting time for our newly combined team, our amazing, diverse client base and the industry more broadly, and we're proud to be entering this new era of History stronger, more focused and agile than ever. It feels like we’re truly fighting fit and my focus is continuing to elevate the work and impact, leading from the front and never settling. The creative momentum is strong and we’re looking forward to a stellar year ahead, making History,”
(Pictured, from left: EJ Granleese, Jye Smith, Edwina Brook)