I am Maria Desirée Pagaduan, a senior creative leader with over 20 years of experience shaping retail experiences, visual merchandising, and brand communications. I excel at translating brand strategy into in-store concepts, campaigns, and clear merchandising guidelines that drive engagement and sales. I combine hands-on design leadership with a deep understanding of the customer journey across physical stores and digital channels. I thrive in fast-paced retail organizations, leading cross-functional teams from marketing, design to store operations. I’m a proactive problem-solver who builds coalitions, delivers cohesive brand experiences, and partners with agencies to elevate campaigns and activations. I’m passionate about people-first leadership and creating inspiring, commercially successful retail experiences.

Maria Desirée Pagaduan

I am Maria Desirée Pagaduan, a senior creative leader with over 20 years of experience shaping retail experiences, visual merchandising, and brand communications. I excel at translating brand strategy into in-store concepts, campaigns, and clear merchandising guidelines that drive engagement and sales. I combine hands-on design leadership with a deep understanding of the customer journey across physical stores and digital channels. I thrive in fast-paced retail organizations, leading cross-functional teams from marketing, design to store operations. I’m a proactive problem-solver who builds coalitions, delivers cohesive brand experiences, and partners with agencies to elevate campaigns and activations. I’m passionate about people-first leadership and creating inspiring, commercially successful retail experiences.

Available to hire

I am Maria Desirée Pagaduan, a senior creative leader with over 20 years of experience shaping retail experiences, visual merchandising, and brand communications. I excel at translating brand strategy into in-store concepts, campaigns, and clear merchandising guidelines that drive engagement and sales. I combine hands-on design leadership with a deep understanding of the customer journey across physical stores and digital channels.

I thrive in fast-paced retail organizations, leading cross-functional teams from marketing, design to store operations. I’m a proactive problem-solver who builds coalitions, delivers cohesive brand experiences, and partners with agencies to elevate campaigns and activations. I’m passionate about people-first leadership and creating inspiring, commercially successful retail experiences.

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Language

Swedish
Fluent
English
Fluent
Italian
Advanced

Work Experience

Head of Design & Production at McDonald's Nordic
February 1, 2023 - Present
Led internal marketing teams and creative agencies to ensure visual and brand consistency. Owned McDonald’s design, UX, and retail marketing efforts. Identified and implemented production efficiencies in the Nordic region. Oversaw packaging, photography, and graphic design functions. Shaped visual identity and maintained coherence in the customer journey. Led cross-functional design initiatives to ensure global creative integrity.
Freelance/Consultant at Nike (Benelux, Northern & EMEA)
June 1, 2021 - January 31, 2024
Led Nike Air team of 16+ people in Benelux, improving customer experience and brand consistency. Led operations, sales, marketing, forecasting, and competitor analysis for Nike Northern & EMEA. Pitched campaigns, collaborations, and activations. Provided Creative Direction, collaborating with brands such as SATS, Pomelo, and Samsung.
Project Manager at Work Shop The Consumer Experience Agency
July 1, 2019 - May 31, 2021
Managed projects to increase sales. Coordinated communication between teams. Tracked brand effectiveness on digital channels. Developed omni-channel retail marketing strategy. Completed communication, feedback, and presentation courses.
Creative Global Project Manager, Global Visual Merchandising at H&M Group, Stockholm HQ
January 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019
Creative Global Project Manager and Visual Merchandiser Specialist. Expert in photography, Photoshop, and seamless production planning and execution. Oversaw visual merchandising for all UK department stores and supported worldwide store openings; maintained brand integrity and VM training.
VM Lead / Visual Merchandiser at H&M Home, Stockholm HQ
February 1, 2015 - December 31, 2017
Led in-store visual merchandising, strengthened brand identity and shopping experience. Managed in-house production and campaign creation. Increased sales through effective follow-up. Completed a Project Manager course.
Visual Merchandiser at H&M Group, Stockholm HQ
April 1, 2009 - January 31, 2015
Managed visual merchandising for multiple brands; supported store openings and seasonal fashion shows. Collaborated with Milan and London offices to maintain global store guidelines; trained store teams.
Visual Merchandiser at Giorgio Armani (Armani Collezioni, Armani Jeans) – London Area
August 1, 2007 - March 31, 2009
Collaboratively crafted global store visual guidelines for Mens, Divided & Kids. Conducted competitor analysis and managed color schemes. Supported global sales enhancement through in-store marketing; assisted with store openings, showroom events, and collaborations.

Education

Digital Marketing at Hyper Island, Stockholm
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
Graphic Design at Forsbergs School, Stockholm
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
Graphic Design & Advertising at Istituto Marangoni, London & Milan
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026

Qualifications

Project Manager course
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
Leadership development / continuous professional development
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026

Industry Experience

Retail, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet