Robert Coles has over 20 years of experience in design, marketing, and brand strategy, and is an international award-winning creative leader. He is currently serving as Senior Director of Creative and Digital Services at Stanford University, where he is responsible for brand management of a $3 billion asset portfolio. In this capacity, he has overseen projects such as the launch campaign for Escondido Village Graduate Residences (EVGR), a $1.2 billion development composed of seven residential structures for graduate students, which is the largest construction project in Stanford’s history.
Beyond his leadership role, Robert contributes to several key committees at Stanford, including the Provost’s IDEAL Staff Advisory Committee and Stanford Community Celebrations Planning Committee. He is also a mentor and visiting lecturer for the Stanford Medical Humanities Summer Scholars Program.
Robert’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond campus. He is an active member of the Franklin University Alumni Advisory Board, the City of Redwood City Juneteenth Planning Committee, SF Bay Area Books Board of Trustees, and the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) Board of Trustees. He is also a benefactor and co-founder of the Franklin University Access and Opportunity Scholarship. In 2023, he established the Coles Diversity Impact Scholarship Fund at CCAD, supporting at least one incoming student each year.
Robert earned an M.S. in Marketing and Communications from Franklin University (08) and a B.F.A. in Retail Advertising from CCAD (95). He holds a Certification in Social Media Strategy from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, a Certification in AI Tools for Creativity from the University of Michigan, and is a graduate of the Leadership@Stanford Program.
Throughout his career, Robert has held creative leadership positions at Franklin University and CCAD and began his professional journey with Victoria’s Secret. In 2017 he founded his own agency, Brand Creative Marketing, LLC, serving clients including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the League of Women Voters.
A published illustrator, Robert has illustrated five children’s books and curated numerous art exhibitions across the Bay Area and Midwest, including showcases at Stanford Palo Alto, Stanford Redwood City, Urbana, Ohio, Redwood City Public Libraries, and the San Mateo County Historical Museum.
