Carla DeSilva

Experience

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  Unilever

  Aug 2006 - Mar 2017

  Managed global creative to embed best-practices throughout design journey. Built design relationships inside and outside organization to elevate strategic value and infuse creativity.• Increased speed to market by providing design direction and unlocking synergies, collaborating with brand leaders for organized and detailed holistic approach across 2D, 3D and product formula.• Partnered with procurement to vet and implement strategic and adaptive roster, increasing speed to market and elevating creativity. Show less Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop design strategies and deliver fresh creative marketing solutions. Presented creative to senior leadership to effectively gain alignment.• Elevated shelf impact, leading premiumization of components with innovative and sustainable pigment colorant solutions for plastic bottles and caps.• Grew hair category, analyzing and translating creative briefs into finished designs, while managing several e-commerce and packaging projects simultaneously. Show less Managed design teams to create award winning packaging across Lipton, Bertolli, PF Chang, Pepsi Lipton Partnership (PLP) and Knorr.* Collaborated with marketing team and chefs to develop optimal analytical design approach for launching PF Chang’s frozen food, ensuring alignment with restaurant’s decor.• Managed redesign of Lipton in partnership with Pepsi, exceeded key milestones, keeping all stakeholders aligned throughout process and effectively communicating detailed approaches.• Directed food stylists, photographers and illustrators, pushing creative boundaries and achieving innovative design outcomes. Show less

  • Global Design Project Leader

    Jul 2013 - Mar 2017

  • Design Planner (Beauty and Personal Care)

    May 2011 - Jul 2013

  • Design Planner (Food)

    Aug 2006 - May 2011
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  Pinnacle Foods

  Apr 2017 - Sept 2017

  Project Manager (Diadeis)

  Led end-to-end workflow, devising strategies and projections to drive growth aligned with business needs for Pinnacle and Diadeis.• Implemented WebCenter/Prizm for the artwork process, ensuring requirements were effectively improving creative output.• Managed projects from kick off through production, delivering innovative solutions.

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  Lenox

  Sept 2017 - Jul 2023

  Art Director

  (Previously Cambridge Silversmiths) Managed multiple facets of design; leading domestic and international teams to elevate creative with cohesive approach across categories, flatware, cutlery, hydration, tabletop, barware.• Collaborated with stakeholders throughout all design phases, including pitching new business. Ensured on time delivery, increasing client acquisition and project efficiency.• Created packaging design solutions that enhanced cross-channel consistency, increasing flatware sales and launching of Bar340 and Graze (+relaunch E365).• Led structural designers to develop cost-effective, stable packaging for shipping. Focused on enhancing sustainability and luxury experience for direct-to-consumer sales.• Partnered with over 20 private label teams, ensuring design layouts adhering to brand guidelines, maintaining consistency for major retailers (Crate & Barrel, William Sonoma, Dillard’s, Kroger / Fred Meyer, Kohls, Loblaw, Macy’s, Pottery Barn, Target, Belk...). Show less

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  Unilever

  Jul 2023 - now

  Global Design Specialist

  Project Leadership role in global Design Center of Excellence elevating design within business groups and prestige brands. • Developed growth-oriented strategic plans across various categories, delivering high-level conceptual solutions, aligning with business objectives and market trends.• Enhanced regional cross-functional collaboration with design management expertise, creating globally cohesive designs.• Achieved savings by partnering with procurement to achieve and roll out global roster governance model, ensuring correct agency assignment to each design objective with approved negotiated rates. Show less