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NEW YORK, USA // Michael Ian Kaye (MIK) plays many roles for Mother both in the US and globally. As agency Partner and ECD of key accounts in the New York office, he leads not only design but also strategic thinking and the creation of communications on brands like Target and Calvin Klein. As Founder of the multi-disciplinary Design department, MIK oversees branding and communications for clients like Scott’s, Sundance Film Festival and CB2.   As the global lead for Design across all Mother offices, Michael is bringing his unique skills and solutions to an expanded roster of clients.

In his twenty-plus year career as lecturer, writer and thought leader in the design field, MIK has brought his skills to bear for brands as far-ranging as Coca-Cola, American Express, Motorola and BP, where he worked with BP to bring eco-responsibility into the broader cultural conversation for energy companies.

MIK balances a strong sense of business-oriented client solutions with a deep understanding of fashion and culture. His background spans decades of fashion branding, including work for Brioni, Brooks Brothers, Kate Spade and Ferragamo. Even early in his career he was impacting culture with the creation of thousands of book covers including iconic ones like Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point and Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club.

His advocacy for social causes is also reflected in his work.  He developed branding and design for Gucci’s “Chime for Change” initiative, the re-launch of Reading is Fundamental (RIF) in a post-paper world, and JC Penney’s “WE” initiative, a platform that will define JCP’s future in the CSR space.  

MIK finds his inspiration everywhere, from the art galleries and thrift stores near his Chelsea apartment to the garden and woods near his Catskills home.