SAY HELLO

I’m a creative and brand leader with over 20 years of experience

Hi, I’m Shariful Sharif – yes, almost named twice (there’s a story there, which I’m happy to share over coffee). I’m a UK-based creative and brand leader with over 20 years of experience across design, branding and marketing communications.

I started my career as an illustrator, artworker and graphic designer, before moving into agency roles where I worked directly with clients across B2C brands. That gave me a strong grounding not only in the craft of design, but in developing ideas and campaigns that need to connect with an audience and support a wider marketing objective.

Over time, my career has moved from creating the work to helping shape the thinking behind it. I’ve led creative teams, developed campaigns, helped build and evolve brands, and worked closely with marketing teams and senior stakeholders across both B2C and B2B environments.

Today, I’m Design Manager at Howden’s Employee Benefits business, overseeing creative output across campaigns, content, digital, events and brand communications. I also work with the wider Howden creative community, helping teams bring the brand to life consistently while making sure the creative feels right for the audience.

I still have a designer’s eye and enjoy being close to the creative work, but my focus is increasingly on the bigger picture: what are we trying to say, who are we trying to reach, and how can creative thinking help make it more effective?