Jake Welsh

Jake is a creative leader with a strong passion for storytelling, experience design, and digital innovation. With a background in web design, he founded and led an experience design agency in Manchester for 13 years before joining global digital agency DEPT® in 2019.

Working alongside a team of more than 1,500 thinkers and makers, Jake brings together creativity, data, and technology to challenge traditional approaches and explore new possibilities in campaigns, rebranding, and digital transformation. He is known for pushing briefs further and guiding creative teams toward bold, effective, and future-facing ideas.

Beyond his agency work, Jake serves on the Board of Directors for Manchester Youth Zone, supporting opportunities for disadvantaged young people. He is also involved in shaping the digital and creative studies curriculum at the University of Salford. With strong experience in creative leadership, mentoring, experience design, and digital transformation, Jake brings valuable perspective and practical creative judgment to the jury panel.