Charlie Godinet returns to Colenso BBDO as Group Creative Director

Following the announcement of his departure from Daylight last week, Charlie Godinet has returned to Colenso BBDO in the role of Group Creative Director.

Godinet joins after nearly a decade at Daylight, the independent studio he helped set up in 2021 at the intersection of creativity, technology and media. In just three years, Daylight grew to a team of 32, building relationships with organisations around the world. He is replaced at Daylight by Nicole Sykes, who steps into the newly created Executive Creative Director role, joining a majority-female leadership team alongside CEO Lee Lowndes, managing partner Lizzie Robson, general manager Kristen Morris and technology lead Phil Bingley.

A multidisciplinary creative by trade, Godinet describes himself as ideas-driven, craft-focused and strategically minded, with 15 years working across some of Aotearoa’s best creative agencies. Prior to Daylight, Godinet spent five years at Colenso BBDO from May 2016 to July 2021, having previously worked at Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland (June 2013–May 2016), .99 (BBDO) (November 2010–June 2013) and McCann Worldgroup (March 2009–November 2010).

Godinet’s work has been recognised globally for both creativity and effectiveness, with highlights including multiple D&AD Pencils in Film and a Grand Prix at Spikes Asia. His broader award history spans Cannes, One Show, AXIS, Effie, NZDM and Best Awards, across campaigns including Play by Spark, ASB Snap Scholarships, BNZ’s The Most Prosperous ATM, Mainland 2000 Piece Voucher and Anchor Protein+.

He has also served as a judge across several major award shows, including Cannes Lions shortlisting jury (2026), AXIS Awards (2023/24), Best Awards (2023) and Ad Stars (2020).

On Godinet’s departure last week, Daylight CEO Lee Lowndes said: “Charlie shaped what this place looks and sounds like. We will miss him dearly, and we’ll be keeping an eye out to see what he cooks up next. Send it safely Charles.”

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