Byrnes brings over 20 years of experience helping companies connect strategy with design to drive real business impact. Jay has crafted memorable, award-winning brand experiences across traditional and digital platforms in a breadth of industries from healthcare and commercial real estate to fashion and non-profit for clients like Google, Meta, Sterling Bay, Bose, Coca-Cola, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, and the Museum of Science and Industry.
He most recently was selected by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) as 2024 People to Watch in Design. Previously, Jay was Director of Brand at MNML, a Chicago-based design studio where product (industrial design) and brand together build innovative, game-changing experiences. As a visual artist and entrepreneur, Byrnes brings a unique perspective and a multidisciplinary skill set to his role, combining creativity, strategy, and leadership.
Byrnes will join forces with Andrea Zimmerman, Salient’s Managing Partner and Head of Brand Strategy, as Managing Partner, Head of Brand Design.
“Jay’s knack for applying a human lens to brand strategy and design coupled with his insane creative capabilities make him a strategic asset for our clients,” says Zimmerman. “His skillset and our trajectory is a win-win, and we’re excited to have him on the team.”
Byrnes is Salient’s second significant hire this month and will help bolster collaboration across its network, including Salient, Candor, and Honeymoon as the agency group continues its growth and momentum across creative, brand strategy, integrated marketing, public relations and advisory services.
About Salient
Salient is an experience agency achieving meaningful change and growth—for Fortune 500 companies to startup clients. We find what’s salient at the intersection of brand, employee, and customer experiences, solving big challenges by blending smart, simple ideas with beautiful, functional execution.
We’re a team of experienced problem-solvers, designers, strategists, storytellers, creatives, loyalty-makers, and constant learners who bring clarity to chaos by asking the right questions and immersing ourselves in your business.
By customizing our approach, we help clients achieve growth and create experiences that make us all say, “wow.”
Contact:
Emily McMahon: emily.mcmahon@salientglobal.com
