Maryam Cristillo
Maryam Cristillo is a growth-driven Creative Director with over a decade of experience leading brand transformation through design strategy, omnichannel marketing, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Currently Senior Creative Manager at Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), she has elevated the brand’s creative impact by expanding internal capabilities, implementing AI-driven testing to accelerate feedback loops, and producing high-performing content across packaging, POS, and e-commerce platforms.
Her diverse background spans roles at Victoria’s Secret, Naadam, and
Advertising agencies, where she spearheaded 360° campaigns that bridge consumer insight with creative execution. A strong advocate for design leadership, Maryam builds high-performing teams through mentorship, collaboration, and inclusive representation, ensuring both creative excellence and organizational alignment. Her strategic vision is deeply rooted in a passion for purposeful human connection and data-informed design.
Maryam holds a master’s degree in Design and Visual Communications from Pratt Institute and has contributed to international design workshops in Europe. Beyond the studio, she is committed to mentorship and community engagement, including her work with the DesignX Leadership Summit earlier this year. She brings not only creative acumen but also emotional intelligence and cultural awareness to every brand experience she helps shape.
• Pratt Institute
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep-rooted passion for culture, art, and storytelling—grounded in my early studies in anthropology. Over the past 14 years, including six as a Senior Creative Manager, I’ve learned that persistence is everything. I don’t take "no" as a finish line—it’s often just the start of a more creative path forward. I believe in design as a strategic driver of business, and I’m proud to mentor others to think boldly and lead with purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to women entering the industry is this: develop your own model for success—don’t feel confined by someone else’s blueprint. That could mean building a support network, carving out your unique creative voice, or setting boundaries. And always remember, feedback is gold: embrace it, learn from it, and use it to grow stronger in both your craft and your confidence.
Locations
Lindt & Sprungli (USA) Inc
Stratham, NH 03885