Matt Van Ness

Professional

For nearly 30 years, I've served as a Strategic Creative Director, guiding teams and clients to build powerful brands from the ground up. My work is defined by the belief that a brand's success begins with a clear, original strategy—one that focuses on what a brand stands for and how it can achieve lasting relevance and differentiation. I have a deep passion for leading designers through both integrated and identity projects, ensuring that every big idea is grounded in a realistic and beautiful execution that delivers tangible results for the client. My extensive experience spans a wide range of sectors, from corporate identity to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). I've consistently helped clients achieve their goals to create a lasting connection with their audiences, new and old.

Personal

My life is centered on ambition, whether it's in my career or my personal passions. As a devoted parent to four children, I've honed skills in time management, problem-solving, and leadership. My hobbies, including climbing, training, and a passion for cars, reflect my dedication to mastering new skills and pushing personal boundaries. I am a firm believer in the importance of health and fitness and value spending quality time with my family, all of which contribute to my well-rounded and disciplined approach to work.

Clients

Aeroflot, Akzo Nobel, Alcatel Lucent, Astana Property, A1 (Austrian Telcoms), Dentsu Aegis Network, Barcard, Barclays, Barclays Capital, British Airways, Blistex, BMW, BP, Cambridge Audio, Childline, Coca-Cola, Comcity, Dentsu Aegis Network, Domino's, Ernst & Young, FSA, Guinness, Heinz Beanz, Heineken, Hippeas, IHG, intu (CSC), ITV, Jet Airways, Kia, Land Rover, Megafon, Lucozade, Magnum, Matalan, Microsoft, Morrisons, NSPCC, Nokia, Orange, Penny Freedom, Pepsi, Pepsi MAX, Peugeot, Plan UK, QEPrize, RBS, Revolymer, Rexona, Robinsons, Royal College of Music, River Island, Skolkovo, Skyscanner, Smith & Nephew, SonyEricisson, Snickers, Swift, Nestle Purina, T-Mobile, Toblerone, Total, Tropicana, Tribal, TTA, UKTV, Unilever, Warburtons, Virgin, Volvo, ZipCar.

Career

• Brand Strategy Creative Director, Sunhouse Creative Ltd

11.24 > Present

• Freelance Strategic Creative Director

11.20 > 10.24

• Creative Director, Co&Co Studio

06.17 > 10.20

• Creative Director, jonesknowlesritchie

06.14 > 06.17

• Creative Director, Landor Associates

07.13 > 06.14

• Design Director, Landor Associates

03.10 > 07.13

• Design Director, Kindred

03.09 > 03.10

• Freelance Creative, W+K, Saatchi Design,

Draft, Landor, 300 million

03.07 > 09.09

• Senior Designer, Landor Associates

03.04 > 03.07

• Senior Art Director, EURO RSCG KLP

08.99 > 11.04

Awards

2017 • Creative Pool - Effectiveness - Hippeas

2017 • Creative Pool People's Choice - Branding - Hippeas

2017 • Creative Pool - Graphic - The Domino Effect

2017 • Creative Pool - Packaging - The Domino Effect

2017 • DBA Gold - V.I - Hippeas

2016 • Eurobest Gold - V.I - Hippeas

2016 • Eurobest Silver - Pack - Hippeas

2016 • Clio Gold - Domino's

2016 • Pentaward 2016 - DIAMOND - Domino's

2016 • Pentawards 2016 - Best in show - Domino's

2015 • RAR+ Awards - JKR Best Agency

2015 • RAR+ Awards - JKR Creativity and Innovation

2015 • RAR+ Awards - JKR Design

2015 • Transform Awards - Best Overall V.I - Intu

2015 • Transform Awards - GOLD - Best Retail V.I - Intu

2015 • Transform Awards - GOLD - Best Imple. - Intu

2014 • Graphis Design Annual - Comcity

2014 • WPP/LCC League - No.1 - intu Group

2012 • EUROBEST - SILVER Design - QEPrize

2012 • LIA - SILVER Logo - QEPrize

2012 • WPPed Cream - Highly Commended - QEPrize

2012 • WPPed Cream - GOLD - Landor Xmas Card

2012 • WPPed Cream - GOLD Digital - QEPrize

2012 • GLOBAL WALTERS - GOLD - Landor Xmas Card

2012 • GLOBAL WALTERS - GOLD - QEPrize

2012 • CANNES LIONS - SHORTLIST - QEPrize

2011 • TRANSFORM - BRONZE - British Airways EC

2010 • ISP - FINALIST - BMW 5 series

2009 • UK Pack Awards - Re-Brand – Heinz Beanz

2008 • GRAMIA - GOLD - Morrisons Brand experience

2008 • DBA - GOLD - Morrisons Brand experience

2005 • MCCA - Best art direction – Guinness/Witnness

2003 • MCCA - Best junior creative

2002 • CANNES LIONS - SILVER - Guinness/Witnness