30 design leaders shaping the creative industry

Give a warm welcome to 30 incredible Design Leaders from IBM, BBDO, Microsoft, Ogilvy and other influential companies.

These outstanding creative minds are making a real impact on the industry worldwide. Get inspired by their amazing journeys.


Dorina D'Ambrosio
Founder & Creative Director at The Behaviours Agency, United Kingdom

With over 17 years of experience as a Creative Director and founder of The Behaviours Agency, a behavioural marketing agency, Dorina leads and inspires a talented creative team across the business and clients. Her leadership has transformed brands from Jamie Oliver and New Balance to Nike and Coca-Cola. A mentor in the creative industry, she inspires both her team and the next generation while consistently delivering memorable brand experiences.

'One of the most important lessons I've learned about being a leader is to be authentic. There are countless books and leadership styles, but I've found that trusting my gut instincts has been invaluable.'

'I recognise that leadership is a continuous process of learning and self-improvement. The best advice I've received is to be kind to yourself.'


Anette Askenazi
Founder & CEO of ASHŌ, Mexico

Anette founded ASHŌ, an architecture and interior design studio in Mexico City. With a distinctive design philosophy centred on enhancing people's lifestyles through thoughtful spaces, she is committed to creating environments that seamlessly blend functionality, aesthetics and comfort.

Diana Sabb
Founder of Create Something Amazing, United States

Diana is the Founder of Create Something Amazing, a renowned event production company dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences. With over a decade in high-end events, she connects global brands' values with personal touches, transforming gatherings into immersive experiences that leave lasting impressions on clients and audiences.

Talar Bardakjian
Creative Director at Altavia.odg, United Arab Emirates

Talar is a Creative Director at Altavia.odg, an award-winning spatial design and branding consultancy. Her Armenian heritage and formative years spent in Syria and Lebanon give her a global perspective. She combines storytelling, cultural sensitivity and retail psychology to create spaces that blend heritage with modern design, enhancing both brand narratives and customer experiences.

'The most important lesson I’ve learned about leadership is that it’s not about authority or power, but about authenticity and support.'

'A strong design leader combines creativity with interpersonal skills, understanding that these are key to guiding a team effectively in a creative environment. They have a clear vision but remain adaptable, always ready to shift as the project or circumstances evolve. A design leader ensures that communication remains open, enabling collaboration and ensuring the creative process aligns with the project goals. They also take on a mentorship role, helping the team grow by offering feedback, support and opportunities for personal and professional development. By empowering their team, they create an environment where the best work can happen.'


Erin Swift
Executive Vice President of Creative, Design, and Brand Identity at Boyne Resorts, United States

Erin is a fearless creative force with two decades of transforming brand environments into revenue-generating experiences. Her hands-on leadership style and strategic vision have elevated iconic brands like Apple, Kiehl's and Architectural Digest. She crafts high-impact campaigns that forge deep customer loyalty and transforms visionary ideas into profitable, lived experiences.

'Leadership is not about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions. It's about creating clarity when things are messy and making space for others to do their best work. I've learned that the most important thing a leader can do is set the vision and then trust the people around them to bring it to life – while making sure they have the support, resources and encouragement to do it well.'

'Leadership is exhausting if you're faking it. The more you can lead in a way that feels natural to you, the more sustainable it becomes.'

Dhouha Ben Gouider
Design Director at KOJ Interiors, United Arab Emirates

Dhouha is a Design Director at KOJ Interiors, GCC's Fastest-Growing Interior Fit-out Brand. With over 13 years of navigating the design landscapes of GCC and Africa, she transforms architectural visions into breathtaking realities across hospitality, retail and commercial sectors. Her multifaceted perspective and deep understanding of evolving business conditions have earned the trust of iconic clients, including LEGO, The Body Shop, Hilton, Ferrero, Expo 2020 and many others.

Bujuanes Livermore
Global Head of Research & Design for Human Experiences at Microsoft, Australia

Bujuanes is a Head of Research & Design for Human Experiences at Microsoft, with her team designing for human experiences in hybrid intelligence systems and responsible AI modelling. As a global design leader, her expertise spans digital experiences, media, business strategy and AI. She champions Inclusive Design and transforms technology interactions.

Mira Taylor
Founder & Creative Director at Mira Taylor Atelier, United Kingdom

Mira is a versatile designer with 21 years of experience transforming brands through strategic creativity. As Founder and Creative Director of M Creative Design and Mira Taylor Atelier, she has shaped visual identities across industries, from fashion to tech. Her multidisciplinary expertise spans digital marketing, fashion design and email branding, delivering innovative work with measurable results.

Megha Kraft
Former Creative Director at ONA Creative, United States

Megha is a Creative Director with nearly 15 years of experience crafting compelling brands through strategic storytelling, multi-media design and experiential marketing. As Creative Director at ONA Creative, a boutique women-led agency, she collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver world-class creative for brands like Nike, Team USA and Converse.

'Creative teams thrive on diverse ideas and perspectives, so as a design leader, you need the openness to welcome new ways of thinking and the emotional intelligence to meet people where they are. It's not just about having the vision – it's about communicating it clearly, inviting collaboration, and knowing when to step in or get out of the way. Ultimately, design leadership isn't just about making great work – it's about shaping an environment where great work *happens*.'


'For me, leadership is about empowering your team to be the best version of themselves. I’ve learned that when you invest in helping people feel confident in their skills and decisions, the quality of their work skyrockets – and so does the collective power of the team. Letting go and trusting the people you’ve trained isn’t always easy, but when your plate is full, that trust pays off.'


Chelsea (Green) Minola
Co-founder, Principal & Director of Sustainability at Grain, United States

Chelsea has over 15 years of sustainability leadership experience at Grain, a socially and environmentally responsible design studio. Her leadership of a collaborative design studio has been dedicated to social and environmental responsibility. Chelsea has centred people and planet by leading Climate Neutral and B Corp certifications and compliance and developed sustainable product collections for the architecture and design market. 

Kylie Hannaford
Founder & Creative Director at Three Blocks Left Design, Australia

Kylie is a Founder of Three Blocks Left Design, a purpose-driven creative thinker with 18 years of transforming complex problems into emotional brand stories that drive social change. Her unique ability to see challenges multi-dimensionally makes her a powerful catalyst for purpose-driven clients working toward a more fair, equal, peaceful and healthy planet.

Kieren Wisker
Head of Design at Hogarth, Australia

Kieren leads the design at Hogarth, one of the world's largest creative content production companies. With an eye for blending aesthetics and functionality, she inspires her diverse team to break creative boundaries and deliver exceptional work. Beyond her leadership role, Kieren champions design education and mentorship, actively sharing her expertise at industry events to nurture the next generation of designers.

Emily Marant
Founder of French Cliché and Studio Marant, France

Emily Marant is a design advisor and curator. She has spent the last ten years developing her expertise in building bridges between creative industries. Founder of Studio Marant and Co-founder of French Cliché, Emily navigates from the emerging artistic scene to established businesses, bringing ideas to a tangible reality. A collaborator with prestigious institutions from Palais de Tokyo to Cartier, Emily transforms ideas into tangible cultural experiences that transcend boundaries.

Remy Glock
Design Director at Ogilvy, United States

Remy is a Nevada-bred designer and letterer whose competitive spirit turns challenges into creative solutions. From Leo Burnett to Ogilvy, her well-rounded experience across package design and innovation has shaped her into an outstanding designer and director. Her sports background and team-oriented approach drive her pursuit of excellence, bringing fresh ideas to brands like McDonald's, Nike and Kellogg's while constantly expanding design possibilities.

'Leadership is about empathetic influence, and sometimes you must blaze your own trail to set an example for others. With hearing loss, it's important for me to be in an inclusive and supportive environment to be able to lead in a unique way. Transparent communication is crucial, as it builds trust and fosters healthy collaboration. Sharing ideas with colleagues helps embrace new challenges by staying open to learning in this continuously evolving tech landscape. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to know or understand everything – being willing to learn more is empowering.'


'Leaders who are open to understanding others' perspectives and creative visions will have the ability to give and receive feedback gracefully. This creates a healthy team culture, where mentoring and developing talented designers is encouraged. Advocating for your team demonstrates loyalty and a passion for design that solves business problems and improves user interactions and experiences.'


Mary Leonard
Founder & Creative Director at MRLD, Ireland

As Founder & Creative Director of MRLD, a multidisciplinary creative studio, and Associate Lecturer at the University of the Arts London, she bridges professional practice with academic insight. Her diverse background across multiple creative disciplines has shaped a unique perspective that consistently delivers innovative solutions for world-class brands and nurtures emerging talent in a creative direction for fashion.

'To be a good creative leader you need to be humble. It’s not about being the smartest or most talented person in the room – it’s about bringing out the best in everyone else. To be good, you need to value the perspectives of others, admit when you’re wrong, and focus on elevating the team, and their aspirations, rather than your own vision.'

'We're lucky to work in an industry built on ideas, imagination and constant evolution. The best design leaders embrace that by always learning, asking questions and staying open to change. Whether it's new technology, fresh perspectives or shifts in culture, staying curious helps us to stay motivated, push boundaries and make better work.'


Rita Salvado
Creative Director at BBDO Portugal, Portugal

Rita is a creative powerhouse with a remarkable journey from her start at Publicis in 1995 to Creative Director at BBDO Portugal. With a long list of creativity and effectiveness awards, Rita has worked for major international clients such as L’Oréal, Mercedes, Auchan and many others. Beyond agency leadership, Rita brings academic rigour to the creative field with a PhD in Communication Sciences, shaping the next generation of talent as an Assistant Professor while researching the intersections of Advertising, Brands, Design and Creativity.

Luisa Fernanda Garcia
Head of Design at AUTO1 Group, Germany

Luisa is a human-centred design leader transforming the digital automotive landscape at AUTO1 Group, a multi-brand technology company. Her strategic implementation of comprehensive design systems has reduced production time by 60%, while her data-driven approach has significantly boosted user engagement. She leads a team of 10+ designers and orchestrates creative solutions that elevate the human experience, aligning innovative design with strategic business goals.

Khadijah Abdul-Nabi
Creative Director at Ya Khadijah, Iraq

Khadijah is a cultural interpreter bridging SWANA and Western design sensibilities through Ya Khadijah, a female-led creative agency specialising in culturally relevant brand experiences. Through strategic clarity and cultural understanding, she transforms brand chaos into cohesive narratives that drive meaningful engagement and greater ROI, crafting experiences that are consistent, relevant and recognisable across multiple cultures.

'The most crucial skill for a design leader is being able to accurately determine scope and price for projects and adhering to timeline. If I can master this, I protect my team, my sanity and my livelihood. There has always either been an addition to project scope creep up, or pricing was good and then took a turn somewhere in the project, and the timeline of a project is hardly ever on time unless the client has a hard launch date because of an opening.'

'I've now learned that leadership is teaching your team how to make decisions, how to communicate with transparency and honesty, and how to create an environment of safety while holding people accountable. This kind of leadership is more holistic and can allow for more fruitful collaborations and less burnouts.'

Lorena Correa
Creative Director at Nokia, Belgium

Lorena is a multidisciplinary designer who believes in the transformative power of human-centred strategies. Her approach to UX and branding transcends traditional design by deeply understanding the people behind the experience. With an unwavering commitment to meaningful connections, she crafts exceptional brand journeys that resonate on a human level, proving that genuine understanding is the foundation of design that truly matters.

Fouz Al-Sabah
Founder of Crowd Creative House, Kuwait

Fouz is a visionary entrepreneur, a Creative Director with over 16 years, who has championed Arabian Gulf culture through print and digital media. Her innovative ventures – Crowd Creative House, il.box and The K Store – showcase her ability to translate cultural insights into compelling products and experiences that celebrate Middle Eastern creativity and design excellence.

Naghmeh Olfat
Co-founder & Managing Director at Deed Studio, United Arab Emirates

Naghmeh is a Co-founder of Deed Studio, Dubai's award-winning architectural and interior photography company. With a passionate commitment to creating inspiring visual stories, she ensures images showcase architectural creativity and deliver measurable returns. Under her leadership, Deed Studio has won major awards, including the 2023 Exterior Architecture Photography of the Year at the Architecture MasterPrize and the Loop Design Awards' Architecture Exterior Photography.

'Leadership isn’t just about giving direction; it’s about creating a shared vision where everyone feels invested in the outcome. In the architecture and photography industries, where both precision and creativity are paramount, it’s important to foster an environment that encourages experimentation while ensuring the work remains grounded in strategic thinking. Balancing these elements with clear communication and flexibility is a leadership lesson I deeply value.'

'A leader, particularly in architecture and photography, needs a keen eye for detail and an ability to see the bigger picture. Strong communication skills are essential – whether working with clients, a creative team, or other stakeholders, you need to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. In addition to creative vision, it’s vital to be organised and adaptable. A leader should also be able to make decisive calls and guide their team through challenges while maintaining a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.'


Andrea Dopico
Creative Director at TheMix_PernodRicard, Spain

Andrea is a Creative Director at TheTheMix_PernodRicard, an In-House creative community born from Pernod Ricard. She directs all internal creative work from concept to campaign implementation, ensuring human insights drive the creative process. A skilled team builder and brand guardian, she balances creative excellence with efficiency, providing constructive guidance that elevates every project she touches.

'In my opinion, every design leader should have an appetite for new solutions, new ways of thinking. Should never settle for the "it's always been that way" solution.'

'Leadership is all about encouraging the team to find the correct answers by themselves. For me it is about providing guidance to get first to the questions to be made in order to find the real need or the problem to be solved through design.'


Tara L. Waters
Start-up adviser & Founder of TLW Consulting and Innovation Esq., United Kingdom

Tara is a former technologist, law firm partner and Chief Digital Officer providing fractional, consultant and other advisory services grounded in extensive hands-on experience working across technology and law and servicing a multitude of other industries. She helps organisations and senior leaders to successfully navigate their digital transformation journeys, design new products and services, deliver measurable impact and experiences and create workplaces built for the future.

Sheila Mahoutchian
Founder of Scavenger Design, United States

Sheila is a transformative product strategist and design leader who bridges strategy, design and execution to create customer-centred solutions with measurable impact. Her consulting background with top firms like EY and Deloitte has influenced over $2B in revenue through user-centric approaches. She is now focused on building Scavenger Design, a design and renovation studio empowering women in DIY and architectural transformation.

Sancharee Saha
Creative Director at Accenture, Canada

Sancharee is a perceptive design thinker with over 15 years of crafting award-winning branding, advertising, digital and animation solutions. Her unique blend of human-centred creativity and insight-driven strategy leverages emerging digital platforms to create meaningful connections. A dynamic leader translating ideas into tangible actions, she works towards creating a better world with design and good music.

Lysanne van der Voort
Head of Design at M-KOPA, Kenya

Lysanne is the Head of Design at M-KOPA, a fintech company with operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. She helps organisations develop innovation strategies and connect them with others to build a promising ecosystem. She created digital solutions that have a positive and sustainable impact, changing behaviour and influencing society in the best possible way. 

'As a leader, you are surrounded by individuals who rely on you, and it is your responsibility to support them in various ways. Each designer has their own preferences for receiving feedback, and each member of the executive team has a different understanding of design, necessitating tailored guidance from you to ensure alignment. Success comes from understanding who needs what and how best to provide it. Building these relationships is crucial.'

'Harness Data. Lead with insights based on it, allowing your solutions to be informed by evidence. This is the value we as design leaders can bring.'

Jodi Clarke
Head Of Design at Stirling Grey, United Kingdom

Jodi is a design leader with 20+ years of experience transforming interior spaces. She rose from Assistant Interior Designer to Head of Design at Stirling Grey, a commercial interiors business. Her expertise in workspace consultancy and design makes her skilled at creating environments that balance beauty with function. Having worked at every level of design, she has unique insight into creating spaces that truly serve their occupants.


Sharon Chong
Founder of Exodus 31 Design, Singapore

Sharon is a resilient entrepreneur with over two decades as a business owner in interior design. Featured in Square Room Magazine, Lookbox Magazine and Today Newspaper, her reputation for integrity has built a network of loyal clients through word-of-mouth referrals. As a dyslexic individual, she brings a unique perspective, supporting neuro-diversity while creating personalised design solutions that have weathered economic challenges from the Lehman Brothers crisis to COVID-19.

'A real leader isn't someone who has never failed – it's someone who knows how to turn failures into fuel. Being laid off, struggling with dyslexia and facing setbacks shaped me more than my wins ever did.'

'I know how hard it is to navigate career changes, find confidence, and take risks. If I can help others avoid mistakes, make smarter decisions, and see their own potential, that’s what excites me most.'

Romina Hausmann
Creative Director at IBM, United States

Romina is a Creative Director with 17 years of experience spanning architecture, film, advertising and brand identity for global companies like IBM, Google and Figma. She brings a unique cross-disciplinary approach to design. Her background in film and architecture shapes experiences that navigate between place, identity and emotion. Her passion for design strategy allows her to simplify complex problems through human-centric design and compelling storytelling.

Thank you for being such an inspiration. We can't wait to see you reaching new heights. 💛

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