Matthew Stetson

WORK HISTORY

SKILLS

ABOUT MATTHEW STETSON

With over 20 years of experience driving creative excellence for global brands across Beauty, Fashion, and Luxury, I specialize in the intersection of high-concept and commercial scale. My career has been defined by leading transfortmative teams at industry leaders like amika, MAC Cosmetics, L’Oréal, and Shiseido—shaping the visual identities of iconic brands including Laura Mercier, Skinceuticals, and Clé de Peau Beauté.I believe that exceptional creative isn\'t just about aesthetics; it’s about building immersive worlds that foster deep consumer loyalty and long-term brand equity.How I Lead:World-Building through a \"Rolodex of References\":I bring brands to life by constructing cohesive, immersive universes. My process draws from a deep \"rolodex of references\"—a mental library of visual memories, art history, and cultural touchstones. By pulling these together in unique, unexpected ways, I craft narratives that resonate emotionally while building sustainable brand equity.Innovation-First Workflow (Generative AI & Data):I am a firm believer in bridging the gap between human intuition and emerging technology. By strategically integrating Generative AI into the creative workflow, I empower my teams to boost productivity and unlock new ideation paths. This allows us to make data-driven creative decisions that keep brands agile and ahead of the curve in the fast-paced CPG and Beauty landscapes.Mentoring Powerhouse Creative Teams:My leadership philosophy is centered on people. I focus on scaling and nurturing high-performance teams that understand the \"why\" behind the \"what.\" I am dedicated to mentoring creative talent to produce work that doesn’t just look beautiful—it drives meaningful, measurable business impact.Transformative Operational Leadership:I thrive in the complexity of pivotal organizational moments. Whether navigating post-M&A integrations or leading through major executive transitions, I provide steady, transformative stewardship. I specialize in refining operational design and restructuring workflows to ensure the creative engine remains resilient and inspired during times of change.