Mark Blackman
VP, Creative & Brand · Global In-House Agency Leadership · SaaS & Healthcare
Summary
I am a creative executive who specializes in transforming fragmented brands into systems that actually ship work without burning out the design team. Throughout my career at global leaders like Siemens Healthineers, Optum Health, and M-Files, I have been the leader hired to stabilize overextended teams and solve the 'scale problem.' I don't just lead design; I build operational frameworks that drive revenue-linked design wins. For example, at M-Files, I increased creative throughput by 45% and productivity by 80% by redesigning global workflows and integrating AI-enabled production tools. My expertise lies in merging messy sub-brands into one coherent visual identity, ensuring that every touchpoint—from digital campaigns to flagship product launches—is consistent and impactful. I speak the language of both the C-suite and the creative studio, translating business priorities into design systems that have contributed to market share increases of up to 35%. Whether I am overseeing 600+ annual assets or leading enterprise-wide brand transformations, my focus is on creative excellence backed by operational rigor. Hire me if you need a strategic partner to modernize your creative intake, implement AI-driven efficiencies, and elevate your brand's global presence through disciplined storytelling and design.
"My background and experience plus my design and branding skills combined with my understanding of business and the creative and production process enable me to evaluate and elevate the creative output while improving process and delivery."
Expertise
Experience
VP, Creative & Brand
09/2020 – Present
MB Creative and Branding · Asheville, NC
Provide senior-level creative and operational leadership, partnering with executive stakeholders to align brand, marketing, and business priorities.
- Implemented AI-enabled creative workflows using ChatGPT, Claude, and Adobe Firefly to accelerate production.
- Advise executive leadership on brand positioning and team structure to strengthen market presence.
- Oversee production across digital, print, and experiential channels ensuring brand alignment.
VP, Content & Creative Services
04/2022 – 07/2024
M-Files · Austin, TX / Tampere, Finland
Built and led a global in-house creative organization producing 650+ assets annually across North America and EMEA.
- Increased creative throughput by 45% through structured intake and AI-enabled workflows.
- Improved team productivity by 80% via redesigned workflows and disciplined production oversight.
- Contributed to a 35% increase in market share by aligning creative strategy with business goals.
VP, Creative Strategies & Solutions
05/2019 – 09/2020
Optum Health · Eden Prairie, MN
Unified two in-house creative organizations into a single operating model to reduce duplicated effort.
- Improved efficiency by 40% and raised on-time delivery to over 95%.
- Oversaw delivery of 500+ assets annually, contributing to a 48% increase in customer engagement.
- Led creative direction for enterprise campaigns that increased event attendance by 35%.
Director, Creative Services
01/2007 – 05/2019
Siemens Healthineers · Walpole, MA
Led global brand transformation and creative execution across North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM markets.
- Directed launch execution for a flagship diagnostic platform driving a 40% increase in sales.
- Contributed to a 35% increase in market share through global brand transformation and packaging systems.
- Improved team efficiency by 75% through standardized creative review processes.
Education
- The American University · Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design
What I'm looking for
notes: Seeking executive leadership roles focused on scaling creative operations and brand transformation. work mode: Remote / Hybrid industries: Technology, Healthcare, Fintech role types: VP Creative, VP Brand, Head of Creative Excellence
Ideal next role
VP Creative, Creative Director