About
I’m Pol Klein, a creative director. For more than 15 years I’ve led brand and creative for global organizations, from a 55-country rebrand to the systems their teams use every day.
What I believe
Clarity beats cleverness.
If people don’t get it in a second, the idea hasn’t landed yet. I keep cutting until it does.
Systems beat heroics.
A brand works when every team can use it, not only when a designer is in the room.
People first.
Brands move people, and people build brands. I pay attention to both.
How I work
I lead brand, design and strategy, and can bring in trusted specialists when a project calls for it. I’m used to leading lean in-house teams, freelancers and agencies. A graduate of PSI’s Great Managers Program, I give teams clear goals and mentor them to success.
Where I’ve led brand and creative
- SHINE StudioFounder and creative director
- HIASSenior Director, Creative
- International Rescue CommitteeAssociate Director, Design and UX
- Population Services InternationalHead of Design
- PalladiumCreative Director
Creative leadership with an architect’s craft.
I’m a creative leader with hard-won business and engineering acumen from earlier careers. My focus is brand marketing that breaks through, and execution that works in real organizations.
Education and training
- Master in Public Administration, Harvard University
- Master’s degree, Rutgers University
- Bachelor’s degree, University of Vermont
- Master of Spiritual Psychology, University of Santa Monica
- Certificate in Graphic and Web Design, Boston University
- Great Managers Program, Population Services International