Creative Direction, Strategy, Storytelling & Design
John is a creative leader with an innovative approach to immersive and digital storytelling through concept, design, product development, brand experience, and marketing grounded in consumer and market insights.
He is recognized for building high-performing teams that lead with creativity in an immersive brand culture catalyzing, elevating, and driving brand filters delivery omni-channel product stories that create global brand relevance.
While managing an on-time, sustainable, and responsible creative and product development process from concept through execution, John guides internal presentations and experiences that are equally aspirational and commercial.
He cultivates team engagement using a collaborative management style that inspires teams to create commercial yet aspirational work imagined and designed using a 360 approach stimulating business opportunities and growth.
He was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit, John moved to New York City. John graduated from Parsons New School for Design with an AAS degree in Fashion Studies.
Brand Archive
Gap Inc., New York, NY ||
VP AND HEAD OF GLOBAL ADULT CONCEPT & DESIGN || 2019–2020
Created a synergistic immersive and digital brand storytelling experience from concept & design to marketing & consumer experience for adult product aligned with GAP brand filters and consumer insights. Led a 50-person creative team reporting to the EVP & GM of Specialty Retail.
VP AND HEAD OF GLOBAL MEN’S DESIGN || 2015–2019
Refocused the “everyday handsome” product aesthetic through concept & design using fabrics, trims, washes & fits that align with the optimistic attitude & casual American sensibility of GAP brand. Led a 25-person team reporting to the EVP of Product Development & Design.
Tommy Hilfiger, New York, NY ||
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEN’S DESIGN || 2013–2015
Specialty Retail, Company Stores & Licensing || Conceptual and strategic lead for menswear collections. Instrumental in delivering a consistent product story that captured the look and feel of Tommy Hilfiger from design through in-store presentation with an 18-person team.
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEN’S & WOMEN’S DESIGN || 2012–2013
Men’s & Women’s Specialty Retail Clothing, Accessories & Footwear || Curated product stories for all freestanding specialty stores in North America harmonizing a vintage-prep inspiration with a classic-with-a-twist aesthetic while managing and mentoring a 6-person team.
SENIOR DESIGN CONSULTANT || 2011–2012
Tommy Hilfiger Europe Men’s Sportswear & Accessories ||Transitioned to overseas consultant role for Tommy Hilfiger Europe on a one year assignment in Amsterdam. Tasked with infusing an American spirit & Prep aesthetic into the European collection while managing a 20-person team.
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEN’S DESIGN || 2009–2011
Clothing, Accessories & Footwear || Recruited to head creative & product development for a denim-led downtown prep concept called TOMMY. Led an 8-person team while embedding a strategy and process to guide brand identity and curation.
Abercrombie & Fitch, Columbus, OH ||
DESIGN DIRECTOR || RUEHL MEN’S CLOTHING & COLD WEATHER ACCESSORIES 2008–2009
Advanced within the design organization for a newly created brand under the global Abercrombie & Fitch umbrella. Set creative direction under the RUEHL concept and managed up to 15 clothing and graphic designers across the division. Curated brand product stories and set product direction.
PREVIOUS POSITIONS
Design Director || OUTERWEAR, WOVEN SHIRTS, BOTTOMS AND SWIM 2007–2008
Design Director || POLOS, FASHION KNITS, FLEECE AND GRAPHIC TEES 2006–2007
Senior Designer || MEN’S POLOS, FASHION KNITS, AND GRAPHIC TEES 2006
Designer || MEN’S POLOS AND FASHION KNITS 2004–2005
Early Career
J. Crew, New York, NY ||
ASSISTANT DESIGNER || MEN’S KNITS, UNDERWEAR AND SWIM 2002–2004
Instruction
Parsons New School for Design
New York, NY
AAS || Associates Applied Science
Fashion Design || 2002
University of Detroit
School of Law
Detroit, MI
Law || 2001
University of Detroit
College of Liberal Arts
Detroit, MI
BA || Bachelor of Arts
Political Science || 1998
Besides Work
Savannah College of Art & Design
Critic & Mentor for Senior Collections & Fashion Show || SCAD PRO
Parsons New School for Design
Speaker on Senior Portfolio Presentation || Brand Building Speaker Series
Joe’s Blackbook Scholarship
Project Critic & Scholarship Judge