Stanley Hainsworth

Stanley Hainsworth is recognized for his work in brand storytelling and creative direction, shaping the visual and emotional identities of global companies. Hainsworth developed his expertise in brand strategy and design while serving as creative leader at Nike, Lego, and Starbucks, where he was vice president of global creative. At Starbucks Coffee Company, he led creative initiatives for brands including Hear Music, Tazo Tea, and Ethos Water, influencing product development, packaging systems, seasonal promotions, brand campaigns, and collateral materials.

Hainsworth spent 12 years at Nike as a creative director, contributing to product launches, Niketown retail experiences, and Olympic campaigns. As global creative director for Lego in Denmark, he directed a comprehensive visual overhaul of the brand, spanning advertising, interactive media, packaging, retail, and brand stores. In addition to his work in branding and design, Hainsworth is a singer-songwriter, author, and actor in film, television, and stage productions in Los Angeles, New York City, and regional theaters, as well as a director and producer. His transition from acting to design was driven by a shared passion for creative expression.

Hainsworth founded Tether, a global creative studio, where he serves as founder and chief creative officer. Tether delivers brand identity, product design, advertising, digital design, packaging, branded entertainment, and retail design for established and emerging brands. The agency has worked with clients such as Google, BMW Motorrad, Pepsi, Microsoft, and Gatorade. Notable projects include the redesign of the Gatorade bottle, which contributed to a comprehensive brand transformation.

Hainsworth is a national board member of AIGA and a featured speaker on creativity and branding. He has received awards from ID Magazine, Communication Arts, The Library of Congress, Graphis, Type Directors Club, HOW International, HOW Regional, NW Design Awards, PRINT International, AIGA National, AIGA Regional, Retail Interiors (Best International Store and Best Retail Theater), and MAPIC (Best Retail Store). Hainsworth has written books on branding, is an educator, and contributes to Huffington Post. As a keynote speaker, he addresses topics such as "Take a Chance" and "We Are the Stories We Tell," sharing insights on brand identity and creative leadership with audiences worldwide.