Michael Castellon

Global Creative Director Brand Design & Innovation

Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area

About

Curiosity and collaboration have shaped my approach across a diverse career building best-in-class brand marketing, product design, and retail brand experiences. I bring a human-centered mindset to problem solving—developing creative solutions that drive relevance, momentum, and meaningful connection. I’m a strategic Senior Creative with 15+ years of experience leading growth and innovation for global brands. I’ve built and led creative organizations, delivered high-impact global campaigns, and consistently translated vision into measurable results across brand awareness, sales, and consumer engagement. My work is grounded in strong creative direction, clear strategy, and trusted leadership—always focused on delivering exceptional design and experiences that move both people and business forward.

Experience

  • Creative Director Energy & Innovation at PepsiCo
    Apr 2021 - Jan 2026 · 4 yrs 10 mos

    Global creative lead for Pepsi’s Energy & Innovation portfolio, shaping brand expression, visual systems, and future-facing storytelling across regions. • Defined and evolved a cohesive global visual direction across campaigns, digital, packaging, and brand experiences • Led internal teams and agency partners, managing budgets, timelines, and cross-regional collaboration • Launched a new innovation design team, delivering breakthrough initiatives across digital media, packaging, and communications • Helped pioneer virtual CGI product studios and the Pepsi Digital Smart Can, connecting innovation with storytelling • Acted as a creative conduit between design, marketing, and global product teams, ensuring clarity and consistency • Mentored and inspired designers, establishing best practices and a culture of curiosity and craft

  • Sr Creative Director at Self-employed
    May 2020 - Apr 2021 · 1 yr

    Senior creative partner to brands navigating transformation, growth, or repositioning. • Led brand, design, and storytelling initiatives across product, retail, digital, and experiential • Advised leadership teams on creative direction, visual identity, and GTM strategy • Worked hands-on from concept through execution, including presentations, production, and post • Partnered closely with internal teams to align creative ambition with business reality

  • Creative Director Retail & Brand Experience at adidas
    Jan 2015 - Mar 2020 · 5 yrs 3 mos

    Originally hired to lead Global Basketball Brand Design, evolving into a broader role of Director of Retail & Brand Activations shaping consumer experience across retail, campaigns, and culture. • Redefined visual tone, voice, and graphic language across campaigns, social, and consumer-facing retail • Built and led internal teams while managing multiple external design partners • Shifted focus toward retail activations and flagship experiences, elevating brand storytelling and consumer journey • Directed footwear, apparel, and seasonal launches with a growth-focused, multi-channel mindset • Used a multi-disciplinary approach to connect product, story, and experience • Led with trust—empowering teams, fostering partnerships, and aligning stakeholders around a shared vision

  • Design Director / Brand Design & Product consultant at Michael Castellon Design
    Apr 2012 - Jan 2015 · 2 yrs 10 mos

    Independent design and brand consultant working at the intersection of sport, lifestyle, and storytelling. • Provided creative direction and strategy across product, retail, and brand positioning • Helped heritage brands reconnect with culture and appeal to new consumer generations • Led teams from inception through launch, aligning design, narrative, and execution Selected results: • Built a young athlete visual brand system across .com, social, and retail • Reset brand identity and product strategy for an established footwear company • Created and launched a signature footwear collection for a global basketball icon • Leveraged trend, color, and material insight to modernize brand perception

  • Footwear Design Lead at Sorel and Columbia Sports Wear
    May 2009 - May 2012 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Brought in to expand SOREL from a winter-only brand into a 365-day footwear business. • Led new product development& design blending performance, fashion, and lifestyle • Helped reposition the brand while staying true to its design DNA • Partnered with global influencers and boutiques to drive buzz and cultural relevance. Impact: • Expanded SOREL into all-season footwear globally • Elevated brand perception through limited releases and partnerships • Helped redefine how winter boots were viewed across the industry.