Tom is an exceptional creative leader with 25+ years developing and evolving consumer-centric retail/brand experiences- with expertise integrating the brand DNA/design signatures into all facets of multiple merchandising and retail channels. He possesses an encyclopedic creative eye with a well-honed point-of-view and a deep knowledge of ‘experiential design’ within consumer experience channels including retail, hospitality, interiors and design culture in general.
Tom excels at motivating his teams and brings a strong strategic mindset to all work never losing sight of the consumer experience goals. His strong design leadership threads evenly through all types of concept scenarios and initiatives all the while bringing a clear sense of direction and a calming steadfast presence to all team dynamics.
Growing up in San Diego, California in a nurturing, supportive military family (US Navy), Tom took his love of LEGO sets and successfully completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. From there, he embarked on a number of design firm positions and landed his first ‘in-house’ creative position with Gap Inc in San Francisco- with the Old Navy Store Design/Visual Merchandising team. This position forever changed his career trajectory, opening his mind to the world of retail design and merchandising and the 'psychology' of creating memorable consumer experiences.
From here, the East Coast beckoned and a new opportunity with Kiehl’s Since 1851 brought Tom to the NYC area. Over 14 years later, Tom now leads the Global Retail Design team for Kiehl’s- managing and leading creative direction for all global retail and merchandising channels- 69 countries and counting across North America, Europe and Asia.
For his next chapter, Tom is seeking a broader SVP/EVP level or Executive Creative Director or head of Brand/Consumer Experience role- leading a team of subject matter experts to develop all strategies and creative facets of the consumer experience- through all 2D/3D elements within retail and merchandising channels that bring a brand to life.
