I am Crispian Brown, a seasoned Creative Director with over 25 years of experience in creating and executing internationally awarded cross-platform branding, marketing, and content strategies across the UK, UAE, and Southern Africa for global blue-chip clients. I thrive in leadership roles, championing creative excellence and innovation to contribute to sustained financial growth. As a UAE Golden Visa holder under the Creatives in Arts & Culture scheme, I am committed to enriching the art and culture of the Emirates and advancing the role of AI within UAE creativity. Currently, I co-lead xler8AD as Co-Founder and Creative Director, delivering high-impact branding and marketing solutions. Previously, I held leadership roles such as Group Creative Director at New Media Publishing and Consultant Creative Director roles spanning government, corporate, and tech sectors. I bring a strategic mindset and hands-on creative approach to every project, driving brand positioning, engagement, and growth through innovative campaigns and visual storytelling.…

Crispian Salathiel Giles Brown

I am Crispian Brown, a seasoned Creative Director with over 25 years of experience in creating and executing internationally awarded cross-platform branding, marketing, and content strategies across the UK, UAE, and Southern Africa for global blue-chip clients. I thrive in leadership roles, championing creative excellence and innovation to contribute to sustained financial growth. As a UAE Golden Visa holder under the Creatives in Arts & Culture scheme, I am committed to enriching the art and culture of the Emirates and advancing the role of AI within UAE creativity. Currently, I co-lead xler8AD as Co-Founder and Creative Director, delivering high-impact branding and marketing solutions. Previously, I held leadership roles such as Group Creative Director at New Media Publishing and Consultant Creative Director roles spanning government, corporate, and tech sectors. I bring a strategic mindset and hands-on creative approach to every project, driving brand positioning, engagement, and growth through innovative campaigns and visual storytelling.…

Available to hire

I am Crispian Brown, a seasoned Creative Director with over 25 years of experience in creating and executing internationally awarded cross-platform branding, marketing, and content strategies across the UK, UAE, and Southern Africa for global blue-chip clients. I thrive in leadership roles, championing creative excellence and innovation to contribute to sustained financial growth. As a UAE Golden Visa holder under the Creatives in Arts & Culture scheme, I am committed to enriching the art and culture of the Emirates and advancing the role of AI within UAE creativity.

Currently, I co-lead xler8AD as Co-Founder and Creative Director, delivering high-impact branding and marketing solutions. Previously, I held leadership roles such as Group Creative Director at New Media Publishing and Consultant Creative Director roles spanning government, corporate, and tech sectors. I bring a strategic mindset and hands-on creative approach to every project, driving brand positioning, engagement, and growth through innovative campaigns and visual storytelling.

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Skills

Experience Level

Work Experience

Marketing & Branding Strategy Consultant at Department of Education & Knowledge (ADEK)
March 1, 2020 - September 5, 2025
Led creative direction and strategy implementation for the division’s objectives, including conceiving and rolling out the Abu Dhabi Scholarships campaign and event launch in Washington DC. Developed communications and branding strategies in alignment with governmental mandates.
Co-Founder & Creative Director at xler8AD
April 1, 2019 - Present
Leading branding and marketing strategy projects with a focus on creative direction and brand realignment. Consultancy roles include working with Ethara on brand strategy, Yas Marina Circuit on lifestyle propositions for asset classes and Formula 1 events, and launching various campaigns such as Tabreed Global Cooling's large-scale murals, Readdle Technologies' Spark email client rebrand, 3elm global education consultancy, and the UK-Gulf Women in Cyber Security Fellowship. Also served as Consultant Creative Director for Seven Brands on the Aldar Corporate account, delivering omni-channel marketing campaigns and internal communications.
Group Creative Director at New Media Publishing (Media24 and Naspers Group)
March 1, 2019 - September 5, 2025
Drove creative excellence and innovation to maintain and grow the company's position as the leading content marketing agency in Southern Africa. Delivered award-winning content solutions, mentored teams, contributed to business strategy and financial performance, and actively engaged in new business development through client pitching and presentations.
Creative Director at Caspian Media
August 1, 2006 - September 5, 2025
Provided creative leadership and direction for media projects in London, enhancing brand visibility and marketing effectiveness.
Group Art Editor at Haymarket Business Publications
July 1, 1998 - September 5, 2025
Led art direction for weekly titles, ensuring high-quality visual content and design standards.

Education

BA (Honours) Graphic design at Anglia Ruskin University (Colchester Institute)
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1995
Foundation Course in Art & Design at Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge)
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1992

Qualifications

UAE Golden Visa (Creatives in Arts & Culture scheme)
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Government, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction, Software & Internet, Energy & Utilities, Travel & Hospitality

Skills

Experience Level