Event Description

As Global Creative Director for Converse, Paul Tew has his hands and brain in all aspects of the experience of the Converse brand. Beyond managing the internal team of designers and writers that produce corporate and consumer communications, he touches product design, retail experience, public relations, and industry, trade, and influencer events. Paul utilizes design thinking every day to tackle evolving consumer touch-points and balance history with contemporary innovation.

Based on the success of 2006, the Business of Design series will continue to highlight business leaders of companies that place a high value on design.

Event Summary

The first discussion in the Business of Design series took place Wednesday morning, March 7th at the Alliance Francais. Paul Tew, the Global Creative Director for Converse, was the guest speaker at the event moderated by Joseph Michael Essex.

Arriving at Converse via MTV and Nike, Paul has a passion for working with youth culture. When asked if it was becoming more difficult to relate as he grew older, he replied "I'm not cool, but I know who is." 

Paul refers to himself as the brand "custodian" of "a seven-year-old company with a 100-year-old brand." Converse has remained fresh while maintaining its timeless image. The result is a successful brand with universal appeal and a broad consumer base.