Director, Creative Business Lead

Director, Creative Business Lead

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Job Description

We’re looking for a visionary Global Brand Creative leader to help shape the future of creativity at Visa. This is not just another role—it’s an opportunity to be part of building one of the most forward‑thinking global creative internal teams in the industry, driving work that inspires, connects, and defines culture for one of the most iconic brands in the world.

You’ll join a passionate, ambitious, and collaborative global team united by a single mission – to make Visa the best way to pay and be paid—through creativity that moves people and transforms business.

We’re looking for a business leader with both creative instinct and strategic depth—someone who can see the big picture while diving into the craft that makes ideas resonate. You might come from an agency background or an in‑house creative studio, but what defines you is your ability to lead teams and ideas that win hearts, minds, and awards. You’ve helped shape campaigns that didn’t just sell products but shaped culture, inspired conversations, and set new standards for what great creative can do.

In this role, you’ll drive Visa’s most high‑profile global brand campaigns—from global sponsorships like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, to the brand platforms that define Visa’s story across the world. You’ll guide the entire creative journey—from insight to idea to execution—ensuring every asset delivers both creative brilliance and strategic clarity. You’ll collaborate closely with some of the best creative minds—internally and externally—across strategy, production, and design to bring work to life at a global scale.

We’re looking for someone who’s restlessly curious, always scanning culture and technology for what’s next. You’ll build, mentor, and inspire a team that thrives on innovation—pushing creative boundaries while maintaining an unwavering standard of excellence. And you’ll do it all with openness, collaboration, and genuine joy in the work.

If you are an account / brand business creative leader who believes in the power of ideas to influence culture, who thrives in dynamic, fast‑moving environments, and who wants to help build something extraordinary from the inside out—Visa’s Global Creative Studio is where you belong.

What you’ll do

Global Campaign Leadership

Lead the full creative development process for Visa’s global brand campaigns and sponsorship activations—from business brief to global rollout.

Translate business goals into compelling creative strategies and integrated marketing campaigns that drive awareness, cultural relevance, and commercial impact.

Serve as the Directly Responsible Individual (DRI) for assigned programs, defining RACIs, KPIs, and ensuring flawless execution across all phases—briefing, ideation, testing, production, toolkit development, deployment, and optimization.

Represent the Global Brand Creative team in all sponsorship forums, leading cross‑functional alignment and collaboration.

Sponsorship & Innovation Programs

Oversee the creative direction and execution of Visa’s marquee global sponsorships and innovation initiatives—including the FIFA World Cup 2026, emerging platforms / partnerships, and the Olympic Games.

Drive the development of creative assets and toolkits that maintain global brand consistency while allowing regional adaptation.

Partner closely with sponsorship, experiential, PR, social, and influencer teams to deliver integrated, culture‑driven campaigns that engage audiences worldwide.

Cross‑Functional Partnership & Integration

Collaborate with key partners across Brand Marketing, Integrated Marketing, Media, Sponsorships, Legal, Finance, and Production to orchestrate 360° campaign development.

Guide internal and external creative teams, agencies, and production partners to ensure creative excellence, strategic clarity, and operational efficiency.

Build trusted, productive relationships with regional and global leadership, acting as a connector across disciplines.

Operational & Financial Management

Lead AOP planning, RFPs, and all program‑related financial processes, including budgets, scopes of work, and vendor management.

Ensure campaigns are delivered on brief, on time, and within budget while maintaining Visa’s global creative standards.

Manage end‑to‑end toolkit delivery, ensuring scalability, adaptability, and consistency across markets.

Creative Excellence & Leadership

Help us develop a new team in housing capabilities for Visa, including new processes, best‑in‑class workstreams, vision and structure for the future of a modern Brand development and Agency Ecosystem. Lead by example by putting the craft into concepting, creating, rolling up your sleeves to do the work when necessary and inspiring others with clear guidance in art direction.

Champion a culture of innovation, collaboration, and creative excellence across all initiatives.

Serve as a strategic advisor and creative partner to senior leadership, driving bold ideas that elevate Visa’s brand positioning globally.

Inspire and mentor teams to push boundaries, stay ahead of trends, and craft work that moves culture forward.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

10 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 8 years of work experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters / MBA / JD / MD) or at least 3 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications

12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 8-10 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 6+ years of work experience with a PhD

Experience in brand marketing, creative strategy, or account leadership within a top agency or in‑house creative studio

Proven track record of leading large‑scale integrated campaigns across digital, social, film,

Deep understanding of the global‑to‑local campaign development process, with strong knowledge of regional adaptation, creative toolkits, and rollout best practices

Expertise in managing agency relationships, creative workflows, production timelines, and cross‑functional integration

Passionate about culture, storytelling, and creativity that delivers both emotional and business value

Comfortable operating between strategic oversight and hands‑on execution

Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Able to align and inspire teams around a shared creative vision

International / Global fluency and experience across other markets is a strong plus

Passion and knowledge on Sports and innovative platforms (music, sports, video games)

Experience leading campaigns that have driven outsized business results and won recognition in the industry.

Excellent people leader with proven ability to manage teams, the work, and influence outcomes in highly matrixed organizations with multiple stakeholders.

Ability to peruse, lead and manage senior stakeholders and big corporate models.

Additional Information

Work Hours :

Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements :

This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental / Physical Requirements :

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law. Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY :

The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 160,500 to 258,800 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job‑related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA / HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.

#J-18808-Ljbffr