Craftmore appoints Job Bilsen Managing Director

Bilsen’s appointment marks the next step in Craftmore’s ambition to become a leading agency at the intersection of creativity, digital technology, and production.

Job Bilsen has started as Managing Director at Craftmore, the creative and digital agency founded by Michel van Velde and Floris Derksen and part of the I.C.Y. group. Bilsen joins from ACE, where he was responsible for brands such as ASICS and KLM, as well as the successful AI startup Lookgen.ai.

Job is no stranger to Michel and Floris; he previously served as Account Director at One Shoe, the award-winning agency formerly owned by Craftmore’s founders. At Craftmore, he will oversee daily operations and focus on the organization's further development, strengthening client relationships, and driving growth across the Benelux and DACH regions.

The agency develops digital brand experiences, e-commerce platforms, campaigns, and content, with originality and craftsmanship at its core.

Job Bilsen: “What appeals to me about Craftmore is the combination of creative ambition, technological expertise, and entrepreneurship. There is a team in place that produces distinctive work while keeping a sharp eye on the results that work needs to deliver. My ambition is to build on that foundation: developing strong client relationships, bringing new brands to the agency, and creating an environment where people can produce their best work.”

Bilsen will work closely with Floris Derksen, Creative Director, and Jordy van Raaij, Technology Director. While they set the creative and technological direction, Bilsen aligns that expertise with the agency’s development and its clients' ambitions. The focus is on building enduring partnerships with brands, where strategy, creativity, and technology reinforce one another.

Michel van Velde, co-founder, Craftmore: “We are building Craftmore on the conviction that originality and craftsmanship make the difference for brands. That requires strong creative and technical talent, as well as someone with an entrepreneurial mindset to drive the agency forward. Job knows the world of international brands and understands what it takes to build a successful client-agency partnership. His arrival strengthens Craftmore’s leadership team and enables us to further realize our growth ambitions.”

Craftmore is part of the I.C.Y. Group, alongside strategy agency Ablestar and growth marketing agency GrowMads. Bilsen will also foster collaboration within the group, allowing clients to leverage the combined expertise of the various agencies for their branding and growth initiatives.

www.craftmore.nl

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