Hi nice to meet you. I am a creative, ideas are most important to me. I have mostly worked in the global agency world (EMEA focus) I’ve built creative and editorial teams, launched immersive campaigns and engineered ideas that live and breathe across digital, social and IRL.
I've worked in what we once called "innovative," then "digital," and now, "social", but that term doesn't cover the load. It's all of it. I think my work is about understanding the context and being able to tell a story that is not linear.
CURRENT INTEREST
Thoughtful leadership and creative wellbeing
The future of social brand building
Bringing artistic sensibility into commercial work without losing clarity or purpose
EXPERIENCE
Global brand campaigns for major players across lifestyle, tech and entertainment
Creator-led branded content that blends social-first formats with storytelling architecture
Leadership and creative team transformation within top-tier agency environments
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Content and storytelling that feels human and culturally aware
- Exploring how new tools like AI support creativity and improve craft
- Simple creative systems that allow teams to move fast and stay inspired
OCTOBER 2025 – I’m currently finishing my role as Executive Creative Director at We Are Social Netherlands, where I helped start the office and led the creative and editorial teams, with a strong focus on digital culture, technology, and storytelling that truly connects.
I am open for new opportunities
contact: hesterhaars@gmail.com
Relevant Press
LATEST WORK BOOKING
https://adage.com/article/creativity/creative-ads-today-att-bookingcom-channel-4-dominos-elf-beauty-geico-nba/2588461/
INTERVIEW THE NEXT CARTEL
https://thenextcartel.com/observatory/tnc-talks-vol-11-masters-of-the-creative-craft-creative-directors-edition/
OPENING PRESS
https://www.adweek.com/agencies/we-are-socials-amsterdam-office-opens-with-crocs-a-founding-client/
STRUGGLES OF CHANGE X INTERVIEW
https://bikevibe.no/stories/the-struggles-of-change
(SOME) WORK PR
VANITYFAIR
VOGUE
ZALANDO WORK
DAYCLUB PRESS
DAYCLUB EVENTS
UBER x BOILER ROOM
Skills
IDEAS
Find and nurture Talent
New Media Innovation
Aesthetics
Concept Development
Leading Teams
Developing Teams
Art Direction
Product Innovation
Awards
Silver in Comedy, Shorty Awards 2025
Audience in Comedy, Shorty Awards 2025
Best Creative, Overal TIKTOK Awards 2025
Best Creative, UK TIKTOK Awards 2024
San Awards - Agency of the Year Gospooky 2022
MIA GoldBest in Social Media 2022
MIA GoldBest Use of Technology 2022
MIA GoldBest in Mobile 2022
Best Use Of Snapchat - Drum Awards 2021
Silver ONE show 2018
FWA MobileWinner 2016
Deutscher Digital Award Silver Digital Format 2015
Webby'sNominated 2015
PIAF Silver Creative Branding 2015
PIAF Silver Audience Engagement 2015
PIAF Silver Brilliant Execution 2015
Annual Multimedia Award Silver
Digital Campaign 2015
AME Silver Use of Medium 2015
AME Bronze Use of Medium 2015
AME Bronze Product & Services 2015
Cristal Award Best Use of Outdoor 2013
Finalist Cannes Lions Best use Social Media 2012
Silver SpinAwards Online Campaign 2012
1st place Top Rated Creativity Online 2012
Nima Award Best Turnaround 2015
Webby Awards Official Honoree
Rich Media: Promotional2015
Webby Awards Official Honoree
Best Use of Online Media 2012
Adrime Rich Media Award Online
Campaign of the year 2012
SpinAwards Content 2012
Eurobest Bronze Promo & Activation 2011
Nima Marketing Excellence Award 2009
