Ian serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Brand Design, leading VMLs many brand development efforts across North America. He leads a team of fearless planners, researchers, and strategists who infuse cultural trends, audience mindset, and brand distinction into every brief, approach, and presentation. He brings 20+ years of experience with clients including Danone, Kashi, Gatorade, Spirit Airlines, Hyatt Hotels, and The North Face, among others. He believes that brands exist to solve human problems versus simply selling products or services; that we must give people credit for the lives they live; and that our goal should be to like our audiences, not only understand them. While his work has been recognized with Cannes Lions, Effies and Clios, he’s in it for the grit, the process, and the love of finding a human story and making something beautiful out of it.

Prior to joining VML in 2013, Ian founded the insights and planning practice at C3, a Kansas City-based agency that specializes in the youth and family audience segment. He's a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in advertising. Outside of the office, Ian can be found in the mountains hiking, hanging out, and recharging with his family including his 4-year-old Akita named Ryder. The mountains are Ryder’s happy place, too.

When he’s at home in Kansas City, Ian is likely to be found working on his 1969 Jeepster Commando, taking on a woodworking project or house remodel way beyond his ability level, or chasing his kids to soccer, baseball, horseback or aerial yoga.