Katie Trusdell
Naperville,IL
Summary
GLOBAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | BRAND STORYTELLING | INTEGRATED CAMPAIGNS
Global creative leader with 20+ years of experience shaping consumer-centric brand experiences for iconic, globally distributed products across packaging, retail, digital, social, video, OOH, and broadcast. Proven ability to translate brand and business strategy into emotionally resonant, culturally relevant creative that scales across US and international markets. Known for building and inspiring multidisciplinary teams, partnering with global agencies, and delivering consistent, high-impact storytelling that connects with consumers and drives commercial results.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Brand Design Manager
Colgate-Palmolive | Aquent Staffing
08.2022 - 12.2025
- Guided creative direction to establish meaningful omni-channel brand experiences for multi-regional Home Care and Beauty portfolios, including Palmolive, Ajax, Fabuloso, EltaMD and PCA.
- Crafted and established brand voice alongside visual identity systems to ensure consistent storytelling across B2C, B2B, and D2C campaigns.
- Managed external agency partnerships while overseeing a $1M+ annual creative budget focused on improving efficiency and brand integrity.
Creative Director
The Room Place
02.2022 - 08.2022
- Managed a high performing team of designers, copywriters, photographers, videographers, social media managers and other freelance creatives.
- Directed the creation of premium visual content, encompassing national TV commercials, assuring compliance with brand standards, and connection with target audiences.
- Established department budget and negotiated contracts and quotes to maintain project execution within financial limits.
Brand Design Manager
Colgate-Palmolive | Braintrust
12.2020 - 02.2022
- Developed and led global innovative design strategies to elevate brand presence across multiple consumer touchpoints for Colgate's Oral Care portfolio.
- Optimized design workflow processes to improve efficiency and reduce project turnaround times.
- Worked closely with marketing teams to develop award winning packaging designs that effectively communicated core messaging points.
Senior Design Director
CONTRAST
11.2019 - 12.2020
- Directed the creative development for top-tier clients, including Staples, Costco, and SpartanNash, crafting integrated content across packaging, print, digital, and social media channels.
- Managed and mentored a diverse team of designers, fostering professional growth, creative collaboration, and providing guidance on best practices in the creative field.
- Streamlined creative production processes, and cross-functional project intake, to optimize campaign speed and consistency.
Creative Director
Chervon North America
06.2017 - 11.2019
- Built and led internal creative operations supporting global consumer product brands, delivering integrated creative across packaging, digital, social, and retail.
- Directed over 1,500 packaging projects annually, establishing scalable systems that maintained creative excellence across regions and product lines.
- Managed $8M+ creative budget while leading multidisciplinary teams across design, video, and production.
Global Creative Services Marketing Manager
Whirlpool Corporation
10.2015 - 06.2017
- Directed global creative services team for KitchenAid Small Appliances, shaping brand storytelling across packaging, retail, digital, video, and in-store experiences.
- Led a comprehensive global packaging overhaul for 1,000+ SKUs across three international markets, ensuring consistency while adapting for regional needs.
- Oversaw high-volume content production (400+ photoshoots, 126 videos annually), delivering emotionally engaging product stories at scale.
- Partnered closely with product, marketing, and manufacturing teams to align creative vision with commercial goals.
Creative Director
Chicago Tribune Media Group
09.2014 - 06.2015
- Directed team of internal designers and collaborated with external creative services to establish creative direction for B2B brands and campaigns.
- Formulated and implemented cross-channel marketing strategies for print and digital platforms.
- Developed and executed video content strategies that effectively communicated brand messaging across platforms.
Senior Consultant, Creative
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
02.2012 - 09.2014
- Oversaw collaborative creative design and production across departments, maintaining brand standards for print and digital formats.
- Managed agency partnerships while managing RFPs, timelines, and budgets.
- Monitored project progress across all BCBS plans and regions, and provided regular updates to key stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment.
Senior Design Specialist
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
05.2005 - 12.2011
- Designed award-winning, innovative packaging and merchandising concepts for a variety of confectionery products, enhancing brand visibility in retail environments.
- Facilitated collaboration between internal stakeholders and vendors to guarantee high-quality, creative packaging and merchandising execution aligned with brand guidelines.
- Managed the end-to-end design process for promotional campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand messaging and quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art & Design
Columbia College of Chicago
Chicago, IL01.2002
Skills
- Global Creative Leadership
- Brand Storytelling & World-Building
- Integrated Campaign Development (Packaging, Digital, Social, OOH, Broadcast, Retail)
- Packaging & Retail Design (US & International)
- Creative Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Agency & Production Partner Management
- Creative Operations at Scale
- Consumer Focused Brand Strategy
Websites
Timeline
Brand Design Manager
Colgate-Palmolive | Aquent Staffing
08.2022 - 12.2025
Creative Director
The Room Place
02.2022 - 08.2022
Brand Design Manager
Colgate-Palmolive | Braintrust
12.2020 - 02.2022
Senior Design Director
CONTRAST
11.2019 - 12.2020
Creative Director
Chervon North America
06.2017 - 11.2019
Global Creative Services Marketing Manager
Whirlpool Corporation
10.2015 - 06.2017
Creative Director
Chicago Tribune Media Group
09.2014 - 06.2015
Senior Consultant, Creative
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
02.2012 - 09.2014
Senior Design Specialist
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
05.2005 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Art & Design
Columbia College of Chicago