Clayton James
Cave Creek
Summary
Multi-Emmy Award–winning Executive Creative Director and Managing Partner with more than two decades of experience building, launching, and elevating global luxury, hospitality, entertainment, and lifestyle brands. Renowned for visionary leadership, brand transformation, and high-impact storytelling that drives enterprise value, market relevance, and consumer loyalty.
Clayton has led landmark branding and marketing initiatives for some of the world's most prestigious organizations, including Virgin Hotels, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Montage Hotels, Royal Bank of Canada, and numerous flagship destinations. His work spans billion-dollar developments, global product launches, and award-winning integrated campaigns across film, digital, experiential, and retail environments.
Known for seamlessly balancing creative excellence with commercial performance, Clayton brings deep expertise in luxury brand strategy, executive leadership, agency growth, and complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives. As Managing Partner and Executive Creative Director of Équité Brands, he continues to define modern luxury marketing at the highest level.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ÉQUITÉ
Scottsdale
2022.01 - Current
- Guide top luxury brands in creating extreme value and brand elevation, provide full-service marketing expertise tailored to the exclusive needs of high-end brands
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
OH PARTNERS
Phoenix
2017.01 - 2022.01
- Led the creative team to multiple Emmy award wins
- Leveraged connections to open a new Las Vegas office, securing the Virgin Las Vegas brand launch
- Facilitated agency's transition to effective remote work during the pandemic
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GRIFFIN TECHNOLOGY
Nashville
2014.01 - 2017.01
- Led the development and creative direction of a powerful internal brand development team in marketing the company's 600 plus SKU's
- Led the presentation to Apple, BestBuy and more to bring our products to their retail stores
- Led the creation of our large CES installation, where we won best in show in 2015
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
BUNTIN
Nashville
2011.01 - 2014.01
- Drove new business wins and led a successful creative team to numerous Addy and Emmy Awards
- Wins include, RBC Wealth Management & Cap Markets, Chinet, Kirklands, Kay Jewelers, Brookdale Senior Living
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SK+G
Las Vegas
2001.01 - 2011.01
- Pioneered branding for significant commercial developments, including the launch of $8.5 billion City Center, Galaxy Macau, Montage Hotels, MGM Grand, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Borgata, Bahamar, Mandarin Oriental, Palms Place, Vdara Hotel, Crystals Shops
Education
Art Direction -
PORTFOLIO CENTER
Atlanta, GAMarketing - Marketing
WEST GEORGIA UNIVERSITY
Carrollton, GASkills
- Art direction
- Copywriting
- Creative development
- Leadership & management
- Lean processes
- Campaign management
- Product launch
- Film direction
- Production management
- Luxury management
- Creative direction
- Brand strategy
- Digital marketing
- Visual storytelling
- Client relationship management
- Team leadership
- Critical thinking
- Innovative problem solving
- Creative vision
- Campaign planning
- Team management
- Concept pitching
- Design leadership
- Campaign development
- Social media strategy
- Presentation skills
Websites
Awards
- Multiple Emmy Awards
- Multiple national Addy Gold
- Telly
- Webby
- CES best in show
- Graphis
- Best in Show CES
Personal Information
Title: Executive Creative Director
Timeline
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ÉQUITÉ
2022.01 - Current
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
OH PARTNERS
2017.01 - 2022.01
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GRIFFIN TECHNOLOGY
2014.01 - 2017.01
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
BUNTIN
2011.01 - 2014.01
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SK+G
2001.01 - 2011.01
Art Direction -
PORTFOLIO CENTER
Marketing - Marketing
WEST GEORGIA UNIVERSITY