917-721-7683 | mattzavala@gmail.com
www.mattzavala.com
Hello, I'm a Creative Director based in New York City, specializing in crafting programmatic brand experiences. Clients have included Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, L'Oréal Paris, Jaguar, IBM, Motorola, Johnson & Johnson, Samsung, Schick, Google, and the Unilever portfolio of brands.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Chief Creative Officer
MSL U.S. (Part of the Publicis Groupe) · Sept 2024 - Present
New York, New York
As CCO of MSL, the earned creative agency within Publicis Groupe, I lead the transformation of how communications ideas earn attention in culture. I oversee a multi-disciplinary creative team across the U.S., driving award-winning, insight-led work that bridges PR, brand storytelling, and bold creative thinking. I’ve championed the rise of earned-led creative across Publicis’ broader creative community, while embedding higher standards for craft, strategic collaboration, and cultural relevance into the agency’s creative process.
EVP, Executive Creative Director
Mustache (Part of the Edelman Network)· Feb 2023 - Sept 2024
New York, New York
Lead and direct creative initiatives for diverse tech, beauty, and wellness brands within the agency following the acquisition of Mustache, a boutique creative firm by Edelman, in 2022.
Specialize in crafting innovative social, creative strategies for prominent Google platforms, including Maps, Search, AI, Public Policy, and Arts & Culture.
Achieved a significant milestone in May 2023 when our team was appointed as the Social Agency of Record for M.A.C. Cosmetics, successfully redefining the brand to resonate with the Gen Z audience. Lead and direct creative initiatives for diverse tech, beauty, and wellness brands within the agency, following the acquisition of Mustache a boutique creative firm by Edelman in 2022.
Specialize in crafting innovative social, creative strategies for prominent Google platforms, including Maps, Search, AI, Public Policy, and Arts & Culture.
Achieved a significant milestone in May 2023 when our team was appointed as the Social Agency of Record for M.A.C. Cosmetics, successfully redefining the brand to resonate with the Gen Z audience. Lead and direct creative initiatives for diverse tech, beauty, and wellness brands within the agency, following the acquisition of Mustache a boutique creative firm by Edelman in 2022.
SVP, Group Creative Director SVP, Group Creative Director
Edelman July 2015 - Present
New York, New York
Spearheaded creative direction for the Unilever portfolio of brands in the U.S., including Dove, Dove Men, Axe, Suave, and Vaseline, among others, while holding the position of Group Creative Director.
Pioneered purpose-driven campaigns, setting new standards for innovation and impact within the industry.
Received accolades for the highly successful Vaseline "See My Skin" campaign, which was recognized as one of the agency's top award-winning campaigns.
Pioneered purpose-driven campaigns, setting new standards for innovation and impact within the industry.
Received accolades for the highly successful Vaseline "See My Skin" campaign, which was recognized as one of the agency's top award-winning campaigns.
Creative Director
J. Walter Thompson Worldwide Mar 2014 - Jul 2015
New York, New York
As Creative Director at JWT, I spearheaded dynamic social-first campaigns for an extensive portfolio of iconic brands like Google, Schick, Macy's, and T. Rowe Price. My focus on revising the brand's presence elevated its digital presence and social impact during my tenure.
Creative Director
R/GA May 2013 - May 2014
New York, NY
At R/GA, I had the incredible opportunity to lead and inspire a high-performing creative team in driving the captivating vision for the prestigious L'Oréal Paris account. My dynamic role encompassed overseeing every facet of the brand's digital campaigns, invigorating social channels, immersive platform experiences, and innovative digital retail initiatives. Through strategic ingenuity and a passion for creativity, we redefined L'Oréal Paris's digital landscape and achieved remarkable results that left a lasting impact.
Associate Creative DirectorAssociate Creative Director
Razorfish Oct 2011 - May 2013
New York, NY
During my tenure at Razorfish, I played a dynamic role as a key member of the creative leadership team responsible for the prestigious Mercedes-Benz digital account. Immersed in cutting-edge projects, I spearheaded the concepting and seamless execution of captivating digital activations that redefined the automotive brand's online presence.
Alongside this stewardship, I embraced the thrilling challenge of venturing into uncharted territory by exploring compelling brand extensions for Mercedes-Benz across diverse digital mediums. Our efforts resulted in trailblazing campaigns, including the pivotal and award-winning work for smart Car, which ignited my passion for earned-driven strategies
Alongside this stewardship, I embraced the thrilling challenge of venturing into uncharted territory by exploring compelling brand extensions for Mercedes-Benz across diverse digital mediums. Our efforts resulted in trailblazing campaigns, including the pivotal and award-winning work for smart Car, which ignited my passion for earned-driven strategies
Associate Creative Director
Digitas Jan 2010 - Oct 2011
New York, New York
As the Creative Lead, I spearheaded the Samsung Global and US Digital accounts, unleashing my passion for innovation and dynamic brand activations. With a focus on creating captivating digital campaigns, I played a pivotal role in bringing Samsung's groundbreaking innovations directly into the hands of consumers. From visionary product launches to immersive .com platforms, our team's efforts redefined the digital landscape and elevated Samsung's brand presence to new heights.
Associate Creative Director
R/GA Jan 2008 - Jan 2010
New York, NY
During my time at R/GA, I had the privilege of leading as the Creative Direction Lead for Johnson & Johnson and SC Johnson projects, overseeing the dynamic campaigns of renowned brands such as Zyrtec, Acuvue, Splenda, Mars, Scrubbing Bubbles, and Ziploc. Infusing these iconic consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands with digital and social-first thinking, we elevated their online presence and engagement, leaving an indelible mark in the industry. Through my innovative approach and creative leadership, we drove unprecedented success for these esteemed accounts, reinforcing their positions as leaders in their respective markets.
Sr. Art Director
FCB New York 2005 - 2007
New York, NY
I spearheaded transformative projects at the forefront of innovation that breathed new life into the Motorola Global brand within the digital realm. From visionary brand campaigns to reimagining their eCommerce experience, our team's dynamic efforts propelled Motorola to the cutting edge of the digital landscape.
Beyond that, I directed and designed captivating online campaigns for the ONDCP account, strategically targeting the youth market. Our engaging initiatives left a profound impact, resonating with young audiences and driving positive change.
Beyond that, I directed and designed captivating online campaigns for the ONDCP account, strategically targeting the youth market. Our engaging initiatives left a profound impact, resonating with young audiences and driving positive change.
Art Director
Ogilvy & Mather 2000 - 2005
New York, NY
Conceived and designed compelling digital campaigns for premier Ogilvy clients, including IBM, Cisco Systems, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Jaguar, and BP. Transformed website focus to rich-media brand content hub, leading to a remarkable 40% surge in advertising traffic and an impressive 150% increase in user engagement. Spearheaded extensive video productions and photography shoots for IBM online documentaries, elevating brand storytelling to new heights.
Grey New York
Art Direction Intern May 1999 – Aug 1999
EDUCATION
Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY, USA
Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY, USA
Aug 1996 – May 2000
Bachelor of Arts / Major Advertising / Minor Graphic Design
Skills
Art Direction, Brand Strategy, Film, Broadcast Design & Motion Graphics, Creative Direction, Digital Video, Editing And Compositing, Integrated Social Media Platforms, Interaction Design, Large-scale Systematic Site Design; Campaign-based Site Design, Online Campaigns
Bachelor of Arts / Major Advertising / Minor Graphic Design
Skills
Art Direction, Brand Strategy, Film, Broadcast Design & Motion Graphics, Creative Direction, Digital Video, Editing And Compositing, Integrated Social Media Platforms, Interaction Design, Large-scale Systematic Site Design; Campaign-based Site Design, Online Campaigns