Christopher Rugen

Design Lead

Resorts World Casino, New York (March 2019 to Present)
Driving the creative development and managing production of all print, digital, experiential and social media marketing for 3 of the U.S. branded properties operated by Genting Group: Resorts World Casino New York, Resorts World Catskills and Resorts World Bimini, Bahamas.

Working with the VP of Marketing, individual Marketing Directors, Advertising Manager and other department heads to deliver targeted messaging and effective media solutions for each property.

Developing a comprehensive library of responsive HTML email templates and expanding the interactive digital experience online and on-premises to maximize patron engagement.

Lead Art Director

WebMD (Nov. 2008 to Jan. 2018)
Led a creative team in development of interactive learning programs and digital marketing campaigns to promote major pharmaceutical brands across Medscape’s professional online community.

Collaborated with Account Management, Web Development, Editorial and Marketing teams to provide dynamic designs solutions that met brand-specific requirements, exceeded client expectations and outperformed sales goals.

Served as Resource Manager, monitoring daily workflow of three staff designers and one off-site freelancer.

Implemented process improvements proven to reduce launch times, increase quarterly revenue and maintain a near-100% on-time completion rate.

Mentored junior staff, determined annual individual/team performance goals, conducted employee reviews, approved time sheets and scheduled vacation requests.

Creative Director (Consultant)

Brooklyn PR (Jan. 2008 to Nov. 2008)
Oversaw and directed the conceptual and strategic development of traditional and digital advertising, marketing, and PR campaigns for various high-profile clients, eg, American Cancer Society, Chef’s Diet, Pfizer, Proctor & Gamble, Olay and PUR.

Participated in client kick-offs, determined the creative direction of each new project, and presented final mockups of campaign deliverables.

Monitored daily workflow, delegated assignments, and supervised Junior Design and Production staffs.

Creative Director (Consultant)

Trump University (April 2007 to Jan. 2008)
Devised effective marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility, boost sales, and maximize ROI.

Collaborated with CEO, Marketing Manager and Copywriter to translate corporate initiatives into powerful, visual designs.

Established formal brand guidelines.

Implemented email design and testing best practices to improve click-through rates, reduce spam scores, and increase revenue/leads per email.

Art Director

KZS Advertising (July 2005 to April 2007)
Provided fresh, alternative conceptual designs for a wide range of new and existing accounts, from Audiovox and Jensen to Winthrop University Hospital.

Worked with Creative Director, Senior Art Director, and Copywriter on development of trade and consumer print advertisements; direct mail campaigns; websites; banners; and HTML email blasts.

Art Director/Multimedia Designer

Harman Consumer Group (Nov. 1999 to July 2005)
Designed and produced high-quality printed materials for premier audio brands Harman Kardon, Infinity, and JBL.

Launched the use of multimedia to promote JBL consumer products by producing cutting-edge videos that debuted at key, corporate-sponsored live events including Eric Clapton and Cream concerts; Cold Mountain movie screening; and Hot Import Nights/Import Revolution conventions.

Managed the department’s annual hardware/software budget and researched latest technologies. Upgraded operating system to Mac OSX, trained staff on new software, and installed Apple file server; as a result, reduced external consulting fees by $15K.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS INSTRUCTOR - Hendriks Institute (Jan. 2001 to July 2003)
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR - Jeffrey Ginsberg Advertising (Oct. 1997 to Nov. 1999)
GRAPHIC/PRODUCTION ARTIST - Darby Group Companies (May 1993 to Oct. 1997)