James Shirley joins Identity as Head of Production. He leaves London-based agency Imagination after 15 years in a role that encompassed production management, technology teams, graphics production and digital production delivery.

He joins identity, the UK’s fastest growing live events agency, to lead on production and will work closely with Identity’s newly appointed executive creative director, Neil Mason and senior digital producer, Phil Maggs, to oversee creative productions for the agency’s increasing growing global client base.

Michael Gietzen, Managing Director: “A lot has changed in the past ten years, and indeed in the last few months, but what hasn’t changed is the need for high-end craft. We are now very rich in talent and with our innovation lab, Identity will continue to push what is technically possible. We are delighted to welcome James and his rich skill set to the team.”

James said: I’ve watched Identity grow organically and creatively across international boundaries. I’m looking forward leading this strong production team and helping brands bring meaningful ideas to life.”

Originally from the world of theatre, James’ career in experiential production has been on a constant upward trajectory – heading up specialist production technologist teams, 2D production teams and digital production service teams. He has worked with some the world’s leading brands to include Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce and Vodafone producing some ground breaking projects. Some of his highlight projects include the Jaguar Land Rover Global Autoshow programme including the integrated digital activations, various launch events including the world-record loop the loop stunt for the Jaguar F-Pace, the world’s first multi-region live VR launch for Jaguar’s iPace and the integrated launch campaign for Land Rover defender that included an acclaimed VR experience, as the launch event of Vodafone’s 5G services.