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Nicole Jacek

Fractional CCO, CBO, Head of Design

Professional Background

Nicole Jacek is an award-winning designer and educator who currently serves as the Chief Brand Officer at the innovative media-tech startup MTTR. In her role, she is responsible for shaping the business strategy, overseeing brand development, and guiding product initiatives. Until recently, Nicole co-led a remarkable design team of over 100 talented professionals at the renowned global creative agency Wieden+Kennedy (W+K). With a wealth of experience spanning various sectors, she has helmed key projects and strategies for high-profile clients, including Nike, Samsung, KFC, Airbnb, Facebook, Amazon Music, P&G, Coca-Cola, Converse, HP Omen, Adobe, Beats by Dre, and The New York Times. Her notable expertise in creative direction and business development has positioned her as a leading figure in the design community.

Nicole's career is marked by her ability to integrate art and technology seamlessly. As the founder of her own design agency, NJ(L.A), she not only cultivated her unique vision but also expanded her influence within the industry. A particular highlight of her career has been her passion projects, one of which involved the restructuring of the ADC Young Guns award — an initiative that transformed it into a financially sustainable cultural platform aimed at celebrating the most innovative young creatives around the globe, under the age of 30. Collaborating with esteemed partners such as NeueHouse, Shutterstock, and Master & Dynamic, she curated an impressive roster of talent, which included renowned creatives like Max Weisel, Kerby Jean-Raymond, Nonotak, and Laila Gohar.

Additionally, Nicole demonstrated her commitment to pushing the boundaries of design with the launch of her first app, NJ(L.A.) Remix, in 2015. This groundbreaking application, developed in partnership with Adobe, offers a user-generated audio-visual experience for iOS, utilizing cutting-edge facial recognition technology — showcasing her continuous drive toward innovation.

Education and Achievements

Nicole's academic foundation is as impressive as her professional endeavors. She pursued Executive Education in Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders at the prestigious Yale School of Management. Furthermore, she earned her degree in Design and Visual Communications from Merz Akademie, Hochschule für Gestaltung, Kunst und Medien in Stuttgart, which is recognized for its rigorous training in design principles.

Throughout her career, Nicole has amassed numerous accolades and honors, underlining her expertise and commitment to the field of design. Her influence is amplified by her leadership roles across various prestigious organizations, where she has not only honed her skills but has also mentored budding designers eager to make their mark in the industry. Her tenure as Chair of ADC Young Guns at ADC • Global Awards & Club solidified her role as a thought leader in nurturing young creative talent.

Achievements

Nicole's journey is characterized by numerous significant achievements:

  • Leadership at MTTR and Wieden+Kennedy: As Chief Brand Officer at MTTR and former Head of Design at W+K, Nicole has been instrumental in driving brand strategies and product innovations in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
  • ADC Young Guns Restructuring: By transforming the ADC Young Guns award into a cultural platform, Nicole significantly influenced the global creative community, establishing it as a prestigious recognition for emerging talent.
  • Innovative App Development: Her app NJ(L.A.) Remix stands as a testament to her innovative spirit, merging art and technology to create a unique user experience.
  • Prominent Collaborations: Working with world-renowned brands and creative professionals has not only expanded her portfolio but has also enhanced her multi-faceted understanding of the industry.
  • Influential Educator: As a faculty member at ArtCenter College of Design, she has contributed to shaping the next generation of creatives by imparting her extensive knowledge and practical insights.
  • Strong Creative Partnerships: Her collaborations with industry giants like Adobe, alongside her leadership in multicultural creative initiatives, have solidified her reputation as a key influencer in the design space.

Related Questions

How did Nicole Jacek transition from working with a global powerhouse like Wieden+Kennedy to becoming the Chief Brand Officer at MTTR?
What techniques has Nicole Jacek employed to spearhead successful client projects for brands like Nike and Samsung?
In what ways has Nicole Jacek's education at Yale School of Management shaped her approach to business strategy and brand building?
How has Nicole Jacek's involvement with ADC Young Guns contributed to her standing in the design community?
What challenges did Nicole Jacek face while restructuring the ADC Young Guns award into a sustainable cultural platform?
How did Nicole Jacek's experience as an educator influence her design philosophy and approach at ArtCenter College of Design?
Nicole Jacek
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Location

Los Angeles, California, United States