I’m a freelance Creative (Graphic Design, Art direction, copy) and Brand Consultant specialising in brand strategy, advertising, and integrated design - from idea to execution. Based in Nairobi, I work with clients locally, regionally, and globally. I help businesses move from scattered ideas to clear, effective brand and communication that works in the real world. With 20+ years’ experience, I bring a 360° skillset across creative direction, design, copywriting, and strategy. This allows me to connect thinking and execution across campaigns, digital, and brand systems - ensuring consistency and impact. I’ve worked across financial services, FMCG, telecoms, and development sectors, partnering with both local and multinational brands. My work has delivered measurable gains in brand visibility, engagement, and growth. What sets me apart is a balance of creative strength and commercial focus. I consider budgets, timelines, and ROI - not just the idea - so clients get work that is both strong and practical. I also support teams as an advisor, helping sharpen thinking, structure projects, and improve output. Experience (selected) Executive Creative Director (Consultant ) – TBWA Ascent Group (2023–2026Jan) Group Creative Director – Redhouse Group (2023) Creative Director – BBDO (2018–2023) Creative Director / MD – TBWA (2012–2018) Creative Director – Ogilvy (2006–2011)

Edward Sekento

I’m a freelance Creative (Graphic Design, Art direction, copy) and Brand Consultant specialising in brand strategy, advertising, and integrated design - from idea to execution. Based in Nairobi, I work with clients locally, regionally, and globally. I help businesses move from scattered ideas to clear, effective brand and communication that works in the real world. With 20+ years’ experience, I bring a 360° skillset across creative direction, design, copywriting, and strategy. This allows me to connect thinking and execution across campaigns, digital, and brand systems - ensuring consistency and impact. I’ve worked across financial services, FMCG, telecoms, and development sectors, partnering with both local and multinational brands. My work has delivered measurable gains in brand visibility, engagement, and growth. What sets me apart is a balance of creative strength and commercial focus. I consider budgets, timelines, and ROI - not just the idea - so clients get work that is both strong and practical. I also support teams as an advisor, helping sharpen thinking, structure projects, and improve output. Experience (selected) Executive Creative Director (Consultant ) – TBWA Ascent Group (2023–2026Jan) Group Creative Director – Redhouse Group (2023) Creative Director – BBDO (2018–2023) Creative Director / MD – TBWA (2012–2018) Creative Director – Ogilvy (2006–2011)

Available to hire

I’m a freelance Creative (Graphic Design, Art direction, copy) and Brand Consultant specialising in brand strategy, advertising, and integrated design - from idea to execution. Based in Nairobi, I work with clients locally, regionally, and globally.

I help businesses move from scattered ideas to clear, effective brand and communication that works in the real world.

With 20+ years’ experience, I bring a 360° skillset across creative direction, design, copywriting, and strategy. This allows me to connect thinking and execution across campaigns, digital, and brand systems - ensuring consistency and impact.

I’ve worked across financial services, FMCG, telecoms, and development sectors, partnering with both local and multinational brands. My work has delivered measurable gains in brand visibility, engagement, and growth.

What sets me apart is a balance of creative strength and commercial focus. I consider budgets, timelines, and ROI - not just the idea - so clients get work that is both strong and practical.

I also support teams as an advisor, helping sharpen thinking, structure projects, and improve output.

Experience (selected)
Executive Creative Director (Consultant ) – TBWA Ascent Group (2023–2026Jan)
Group Creative Director – Redhouse Group (2023)
Creative Director – BBDO (2018–2023)
Creative Director / MD – TBWA (2012–2018)
Creative Director – Ogilvy (2006–2011)

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Language

English
Fluent
Swahili
Advanced

Work Experience

Executive Creative Director at Ascent Group
November 1, 2023 - Present
Leading creative vision for clients across financial services providers, banks, fintechs, insurance, FMCG, and telecommunications; managing teams to deliver integrated campaigns across digital and traditional media, driving brand awareness and customer engagement.
Group Creative Director at Redhouse Group
July 1, 2023 - November 1, 2023
Oversaw multiple creative teams, directing high-impact campaigns that improved brand positioning for clients; spearheaded execution of creative strategies, contributing to business growth and new client acquisitions.
Creative Director at BBDO Mediaedge
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2023
Led the creative direction for Tusker brands, increasing brand awareness by 25% within six months; directed national advertising for multiple Diageo brands, contributing to a 15% revenue increase; launched 'Sikera' Apple Cider for EABL, driving significant market penetration in the first year.
Acting Managing Director / Creative Director at TBWA\Redhouse
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2018
Directed multi-channel campaigns for Stanbic Bank, resulting in a 40% increase in client leads; led the 'Mbu Fake' behavior change campaign, which won recognition for consumer engagement and impact on malaria prevention.
Creative Director at Ogilvy & Mather
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2011
Revamped marketing campaigns for BAT Kenya, driving improved market share across Africa; directed campaigns for KCB Foundation’s 'Niko Waks,' increasing youth engagement by 40%.

Education

Diploma in Design at The Technical University of Kenya
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1996
MacMaster Computer Certificate at MacMaster
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1996
Master Classes in Brand Strategy at International School of Advertising Africa
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
Brand Strategy (LinkedIn Learning) at LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020

Qualifications

Master Classes in Brand Strategy
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
Brand Strategy (LinkedIn Learning)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020

Industry Experience

Financial Services, Consumer Goods, Telecommunications, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services