I’m a creative leader, strategist, and builder based in Toronto. For more than 20 years I’ve helped brands sharpen voices, raise creative standards, and connect with people in meaningful ways. I’ve led campaigns for BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Chevrolet, and other major brands across Canada and the US, building systems and experiences designed to move culture and drive business. My hands-on approach means I still write, design, shape edits, direct shoots, and obsess over the details, while pushing teams to keep momentum and deliver impact. I currently lead Kontrast, partnering with brands that want creative leadership that blends strategy, storytelling, design, and execution into one connected vision. I’m focused on building teams and environments where ambitious work happens consistently, not by accident, and where brands become impossible to ignore.

Michael Katzikowski

I’m a creative leader, strategist, and builder based in Toronto. For more than 20 years I’ve helped brands sharpen voices, raise creative standards, and connect with people in meaningful ways. I’ve led campaigns for BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Chevrolet, and other major brands across Canada and the US, building systems and experiences designed to move culture and drive business. My hands-on approach means I still write, design, shape edits, direct shoots, and obsess over the details, while pushing teams to keep momentum and deliver impact. I currently lead Kontrast, partnering with brands that want creative leadership that blends strategy, storytelling, design, and execution into one connected vision. I’m focused on building teams and environments where ambitious work happens consistently, not by accident, and where brands become impossible to ignore.

Available to hire

I’m a creative leader, strategist, and builder based in Toronto. For more than 20 years I’ve helped brands sharpen voices, raise creative standards, and connect with people in meaningful ways. I’ve led campaigns for BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Chevrolet, and other major brands across Canada and the US, building systems and experiences designed to move culture and drive business. My hands-on approach means I still write, design, shape edits, direct shoots, and obsess over the details, while pushing teams to keep momentum and deliver impact.

I currently lead Kontrast, partnering with brands that want creative leadership that blends strategy, storytelling, design, and execution into one connected vision. I’m focused on building teams and environments where ambitious work happens consistently, not by accident, and where brands become impossible to ignore.

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Work Experience

Executive Creative Director at SALT X C
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Owned all creative output and platform direction. Senior leader across new business and brand growth. Structured teams, set creative standards, and oversaw national campaign systems and execution.
Executive Creative Director at RICHMOND DAY
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2026
Managed national creative output across BMW Canada, MINI, and Motorrad. Led platform development and campaign systems. Won new business and implemented agency-wide creative processes and operating standards.
Vice President Creative Director at McCann Commonwealth Canada
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2024
Senior creative leader for national automotive platforms. Led one of the brand’s strongest commercial periods. Drove department growth, leadership development, and creative governance. Led new business and brand growth.
Executive Creative Director at 6 Degrees Integrated Communications
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2021
Grew agency by approximately 40 percent and owned full creative output across the agency. Built the multicultural creative organization, internal training systems, and led early recognition on the Strategy Creative Report Card.
Creative Director at 6 Degrees Integrated Communications
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Led creative strategy and campaigns, guiding client work and cross-team collaboration during 2016–2018.
Associate Creative Director at 6 Degrees Integrated Communications
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Supported creative leadership and contributed to campaigns, internal training, and governance.

Education

Add your educational history here.

Qualifications

CMA Judge
January 1, 2018 - May 13, 2026
Marketing Awards Judge
January 1, 2022 - May 13, 2026
Strategy Digital Agency of the Year Judge
January 1, 2024 - May 13, 2026

Industry Experience

Professional Services, Media & Entertainment