I’m Gustavo Costi, a brand & business strategist with a solid track record in creativity and innovation. I’ve led brand initiatives across Entertainment & Music (Netflix), Food & Beverages (Coca-Cola), Healthcare (Johnson & Johnson), Consumer Goods & Services (Samsung), Insurance (MetLife), Technology (Google/Meta), and the Non-Profit sector (UNICEF). Brazilian by birth, Italian by heritage, Latin at heart, multicultural by nature. I’ve studied Advertising & Marketing, sustainability, philosophy, and design-thinking through programs at IDEO, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Toronto, and more. I’ve lived in vibrant places like Los Angeles and Salvador, which have deeply shaped my worldview and love for people and culture. In my work, I thrive in ambiguity and collaboration, turning research into strategy and storytelling into impact. I’ve helped brands become cultural phenomena, built and led cross-disciplinary teams, and advised ESG-oriented projects. I’m passionate about people, culture, and the power of design-led approaches to business. My aim is to continue shaping brands people love and driving outcomes through strategic clarity and creative energy.

Gustavo Costi

I’m Gustavo Costi, a brand & business strategist with a solid track record in creativity and innovation. I’ve led brand initiatives across Entertainment & Music (Netflix), Food & Beverages (Coca-Cola), Healthcare (Johnson & Johnson), Consumer Goods & Services (Samsung), Insurance (MetLife), Technology (Google/Meta), and the Non-Profit sector (UNICEF). Brazilian by birth, Italian by heritage, Latin at heart, multicultural by nature. I’ve studied Advertising & Marketing, sustainability, philosophy, and design-thinking through programs at IDEO, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Toronto, and more. I’ve lived in vibrant places like Los Angeles and Salvador, which have deeply shaped my worldview and love for people and culture. In my work, I thrive in ambiguity and collaboration, turning research into strategy and storytelling into impact. I’ve helped brands become cultural phenomena, built and led cross-disciplinary teams, and advised ESG-oriented projects. I’m passionate about people, culture, and the power of design-led approaches to business. My aim is to continue shaping brands people love and driving outcomes through strategic clarity and creative energy.

Available to hire

I’m Gustavo Costi, a brand & business strategist with a solid track record in creativity and innovation. I’ve led brand initiatives across Entertainment & Music (Netflix), Food & Beverages (Coca-Cola), Healthcare (Johnson & Johnson), Consumer Goods & Services (Samsung), Insurance (MetLife), Technology (Google/Meta), and the Non-Profit sector (UNICEF). Brazilian by birth, Italian by heritage, Latin at heart, multicultural by nature. I’ve studied Advertising & Marketing, sustainability, philosophy, and design-thinking through programs at IDEO, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Toronto, and more. I’ve lived in vibrant places like Los Angeles and Salvador, which have deeply shaped my worldview and love for people and culture.

In my work, I thrive in ambiguity and collaboration, turning research into strategy and storytelling into impact. I’ve helped brands become cultural phenomena, built and led cross-disciplinary teams, and advised ESG-oriented projects. I’m passionate about people, culture, and the power of design-led approaches to business. My aim is to continue shaping brands people love and driving outcomes through strategic clarity and creative energy.

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Language

Portuguese
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Strategy Director at Candy Shop
July 1, 2024 - Present
Proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, surveys, concept testing, and usage data analysis. Strong conceptual thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively. Build case studies, leverage best practices, and celebrate success.
Founder at MARE COMPANY
April 1, 2022 - April 1, 2024
Offer strategic advice, help shape clients' vision, mission, and strategy. Conduct thorough market, competitor, and customer research to support strategic decisions. Influence business performance improvements through strategic insights and business planning. Evaluate potential risks and devise mitigation plans.
Head of Strategy at ESG PRAVY
October 1, 2020 - March 1, 2022
Manage small project teams (UX, Design, and Marketing), refining project scopes, overseeing team members, contributing to integrated and user-centered decisions. Solid experience in user experience research, with background in digital product environments. Translate complex findings into clear and relevant actions.
Strategic Planner LATAM (Contractor) at ENVISIONING
June 1, 2019 - June 1, 2020
Lead the creation of integrated marketing solutions tied to ten-tpole moments, seasonal campaigns, and vertical-specific insights. Partner with Sales and Account Management to pitch strategic brand narratives. Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Product teams.
Future(s) Explorer (Freelance) at ENVISIONING
June 1, 2019 - June 1, 2020
Desk-based research to add new techs to Envisio ning's data base. Strategic foresight to collaborate in ideation sessions.
Creative Director at ACCENTURE (New Content)
June 1, 2017 - December 1, 2017
Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage teams effectively. Obtain market intel and client nuances and consumer behaviors. Ensure the delivery of high-quality work.
Creative Director & Strategist at MUTATO
February 1, 2015 - June 1, 2017
Develop creative strategies that align to the brand and objectives, factoring in data-informed insights. Use data and consumer behavior to fuel innovative proposals and brand stories. Distilled my creative stamina and restless spirit to guide the agency through pitches that won new clients – Netflix, Samsung, and Deere, among many others.
Executive Creative Director / Creative Director / Creative Manager / Art Director at MIRUM
June 1, 2009 - September 1, 2014
Exceptional communication and storytelling skills - comfortable in front of clients or internal leadership. Built and led a multidisciplinary team with 35+ professionals – Creative, Design, UX, and Production. Key skills: Leadership & development, Brand Strategy, Presenting.
Strategic Planner (LatAm) - Contractor at Meta
August 1, 2019 - September 1, 2020
Lead the creation of integrated marketing solutions tied to ten-tpole moments, seasonal campaigns, and vertical-specific insights. Partner with Sales and Account Management to pitch strategic brand narratives. Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Product teams.
Freelance Strategy Consultant at Envisioning
June 1, 2019 - June 1, 2020
Desk-based research to add new techs to Envisioning's database. Strategic foresight to collaborate in ideation sessions.
Senior Brand & Communications Analyst at O Boticário
June 1, 2018 - February 1, 2019
Solid understanding of positioning, creative development, and consumer behavior. Planned, assisted, and implemented nationwide advertising campaigns.
Strategic Planner (Freelance) at IFOOD
February 1, 2018 - April 1, 2018
Planned, assisted and implemented a solid acquisition campaign based on customers’ journeys. Strong grasp of the advertising ecosystem, including category-level insights and consumer behavior. Influence and drive alignment across diverse teams.

Education

Sustainable Development Ideas at University of Copenhagen
January 1, 2024 - March 10, 2026
Designing a Business at IDEO U
January 1, 2022 - March 10, 2026
The Method at Mesa School
January 1, 2021 - March 10, 2026
Introduction to Philosophy at The University of Edinburgh
January 1, 2020 - March 10, 2026
Critical Thinking Advanced at University of Toronto
January 1, 2018 - March 10, 2026
Understanding Exponentials at Singularity University
January 1, 2018 - March 10, 2026
Bachelor's Degree in Advertising & Marketing at Universidade Positivo
January 1, 2004 - March 10, 2026
Sustainable Development Ideas at University of Copenhagen
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Designing a Business at IDEO U
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
The Method at Mesa School
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021
Introduction to Philosophy at University of Edinburgh
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Critical Thinking Advanced at University of Toronto
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Understanding Exponentials at Singularity University
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Bachelor's Degree in Advertising & Marketing at Universidade Positivo
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Software & Internet