Hi, I’m Ian

I’m a data-driven creative leader who excels at collaboration, guiding teams to deliver measurable results, and lasting impact. I’ve led design organizations, partnered with global brands, and built systems that continue to shape how creative work gets done.

Trained as a painter, I’ve maintained a craft practice alongside my leadership roles, using hands-on work to stay connected to the creative process. That perspective has made me especially effective at mentoring creative people, as I understand both the rigor of execution and the realities of working within complex organizations.

Work Experience

Meta

Creative Strategy & Systems Lead for North America | 09/23 - 08/25

  • Returned post-layoffs in a contract capacity as a trusted leader, guiding creative strategy for Canada and managing flagship clients including Shopify.

  • Provided continuity and strategic coverage for Amazon, Meta’s largest global client, ensuring business momentum and results during a period of reduced headcount.

  • Selected repeatedly to step into critical roles due to deep institutional knowledge, strong executive relationships, and a proven record of delivering impact under pressure.

Crater

SVP of Creative | 04/22 - 11/22

  • Spearheaded company branding, team formation, and cross-functional operations, laying the groundwork for seamless collaboration and efficiency.

  • Built relationships with venture capital and investors to secure funding.

  • Provided strategic guidance that demonstrated business viability, culminating in an early acquisition, showcasing the efficacy of foundational decisions..

Meta

Head of Design, Creative Systems | 03/15 - 04/22

  • Promoted three times across four roles at Meta, demonstrating rapid career progression and adaptability.

  • Directed a multi-functional design team, producing marketing materials, validating creative ideas, and co-developing ad products that generated $3B+ in revenue.

  • Shaped approaches for Meta’s largest global clients, including Amazon, developing strategies that continue to guide how top partners use Meta’s platforms today.

  • Developed a brand toolkit integrated into Meta’s internal design systems and product bootcamp, providing designers and developers with a company-wide resource for rapid prototyping using realistic, brand-safe assets. The toolkit remains in use today, has received continued investment, and continues to deliver value across the company.

  • Created programs that strengthened cross-functional collaboration, improved team sentiment, and sustained a 97% favorable average across every manager survey..

Gigantic Squid

Founder & Chief Creative Officer | 12/09 - 03/15

  •  Founded and scaled a creative studio specializing in performance marketing and video compositing, partnering with leading tech and retail brands like Microsoft and Amazon to deliver content that drove measurable business outcomes.

  • Achieved year-over-year growth and consistent profitability, establishing a strong market presence in content development.

  • Merged with a competing production company to expand service offerings, strengthen the Amazon partnership, and increase local market share.

  • Successfully exited by selling majority stake upon accepting a full-time role at Facebook.

Client Highlights: Facebook / Microsoft / Google / Amazon / Sony / Nike / Brooks Running / Sony / Puma