JOsafat padilla

I began my career 20 years ago as an advertising graphic designer. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft at some of the industry’s most renowned agencies, including Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, BBDO, Grey, DDB, and Havas.

Rising from Art Director to Creative Director, I joined Havas Costa Rica in 2015 as Creative Director. My leadership and vision led to my promotion to Chief Creative Officer in 2018, a period during which we managed to transformed Havas Costa Rica into the #1 agency in Central America and the Caribbean. My team’s work not only elevated the agency's status but also put my country on the global advertising map.

In 2022, I was promoted to Chief Creative Officer for Havas Central America and the Caribbean, a recognition for the hard work and the numerous awards my clients have earned across the region.

Throughout my career, I’ve accumulated many international awards, including Cannes Lions (Best Agency in Central America), D&AD, LIA Awards, One Show, Clio Awards, ADC, FIAP Awards, Golden Drum, and El Ojo de Iberoamérica, where I have been recognized as the #1 Best Creative in Central America and the Caribbean and Best Agency in Central America & The Caribbean. I have also earned titles such as Agency of the Year and twice Best Network Agency of the Year at Festival Volcán (Central America and the Caribbean), MadStars, and won Young Lions Gold in Costa Rica twice in the Print category.

In addition to my creative accolades, I'm an experienced jury member, regularly participating in festivals such as Cannes Lions Print & Publishing Award Jury 2025, Cannes Lions Scholarship Jury 2026, The One Show Radio & Audio Jury, D&AD Creator Content in site Jury, El Sol Festival in Spain, the Kiev International Advertising Festival, El Ojo de Iberoamérica (five times jury), Effie Latam, LUUM Awards, MadStars, and Young Lions Costa Rica, among others.