I am an inspired brand identity leader passionate about designing and delivering integrated identity programs that accentuate brand perceptions. I am dedicated to creating compelling, consistent, and cost-effective brand impressions, especially skilled in managing mergers and acquisitions brand integrations. I embrace collaborative creation and am known for being a results-driven design thinker with impeccable attention to detail. As an empathetic people manager and trusted mentor, I prioritize open communication and alleviating concerns of others. I enjoy collaborating with conscientious individuals to deliver awe-inspiring brand experiences and have extensive experience training and guiding global teams on brand identity principles and execution.

Philip Cole

I am an inspired brand identity leader passionate about designing and delivering integrated identity programs that accentuate brand perceptions. I am dedicated to creating compelling, consistent, and cost-effective brand impressions, especially skilled in managing mergers and acquisitions brand integrations. I embrace collaborative creation and am known for being a results-driven design thinker with impeccable attention to detail. As an empathetic people manager and trusted mentor, I prioritize open communication and alleviating concerns of others. I enjoy collaborating with conscientious individuals to deliver awe-inspiring brand experiences and have extensive experience training and guiding global teams on brand identity principles and execution.

Available to hire

I am an inspired brand identity leader passionate about designing and delivering integrated identity programs that accentuate brand perceptions. I am dedicated to creating compelling, consistent, and cost-effective brand impressions, especially skilled in managing mergers and acquisitions brand integrations. I embrace collaborative creation and am known for being a results-driven design thinker with impeccable attention to detail.

As an empathetic people manager and trusted mentor, I prioritize open communication and alleviating concerns of others. I enjoy collaborating with conscientious individuals to deliver awe-inspiring brand experiences and have extensive experience training and guiding global teams on brand identity principles and execution.

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Work Experience

Principal at creating now
January 1, 2016 - Present
Led the brand identity design practice guiding individuals and organizations in discovering and expressing their true identity. Delivered brand identity programs including logo design, websites, presentations, stationery, and social media channels for multiple clients such as Dossett-Mercer and Associates, The Italian Canadian Youth Formation Centre, Nokia, and The Big Stone House. Focused on collaborative creation with conscientious clients to produce "awe-mazing" experiences.
Director of Brand and Corporate Identity Management at Nokia (previously Alcatel-Lucent), Kanata, ON
December 31, 2016 - September 1, 2025
Managed corporate identity program including brand design strategy, guidelines, templates, visual asset library, and brand architecture. Transformed Alcatel-Lucent brand into Nokia identity system within 3 months, meeting international release deadlines. Led evolution of commercial sub-brands and consolidated digital asset management platforms to reduce costs and improve user experience. Trained global staff on brand principles and consulted on agency portfolio audits.
Director of Brand and Identity Management at Alcatel-Lucent (previously Alcatel), Kanata, ON
December 31, 2015 - September 1, 2025
Led corporate identity standards and brand architecture, refining brand architecture to reduce brand marks by 50%. Won Digital Impact Award for 2014 Annual Review design. Delivered brand identity training to over 70% of global staff. Directed brand design for Mobile World Congress 2015 event stand, achieving unprecedented customer engagement. Created event stand franchise kit for global consistency and cost efficiency.
Director of Design Management and Web Marketing at Alcatel-Lucent, Kanata, ON
December 31, 2011 - September 1, 2025
Managed hybrid teams of full-time and freelance designers and agencies. Oversaw corporate identity refresh program delivered within 6 months for worldwide reveal. Created virtual agency business model reducing administration costs significantly. Led successful migration and consolidation of web product catalogs. Improved digital asset management tool GUI for enhanced user satisfaction. Recognized as one of 175 global key people for subject matter expertise.
Director Design Services and Identity at Alcatel (previously Newbridge Networks), Kanata, ON
December 31, 2006 - September 1, 2025
Led a team of 10 staff, 10+ agencies, and 8 freelancers in global sales and marketing communications production. Initiated strategies to reduce costs in print and distribution by integrating internet services and print-on-demand technology. Consolidated corporate identity standards from 15 styles to a unified global program with 90% continuity. Revitalized product branding terminology improving brand recognition and cutting costs. Awarded "Alcatel Dream Team" for top management performance.
Director Creative Services and Corporate Identity at Newbridge Networks, Kanata, ON
December 31, 2000 - September 1, 2025
Global team leader for visual communications strategy and corporate identity across multiple channels (print, advertising, events, PR, internet). Managed in-house team of 12 staff handling 2,000+ projects annually. Successfully executed new Alcatel corporate identity integration across 12 international locations. Created graphic standards for Siemens-Newbridge Alliance. Coordinated brand identity programs across 11 affiliates.

Education

Honours Diploma of Graphic Design at Sheridan College, Oakville, ON
September 2, 1980 - May 6, 1983

Qualifications

Insights for Innovation (IDEO, San Francisco, CA - online course)
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
The Art and Craft of Facilitating Learning Spaces (Kaospilot, Aarhus, Denmark)
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Strategies for Designing, Maintaining and Sustaining a Powerful Brand (Design Management Institute, Boston, MA)
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Global Awareness and Diversity (Management Training)
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Harassment Training: The Manager’s Responsibilities
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Managing Up to Get What You Need
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Leading Challenging Conversations
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Workplace Harassment Training: The Manager’s Responsibilities
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025

Industry Experience

Professional Services, Education, Media & Entertainment, Telecommunications