About

Roberto Santellana is an industry-recognized creative and innovation leader with over two decades at the forefront of digital transformation, brand storytelling, and marketing at scale. A decorated Executive Creative Director and strategic operator, he has consistently driven breakthrough creative and business outcomes for some of the world’s most iconic brands.

As Senior Managing Director of Digital Creative, Technology, and Innovation at Verizon’s Consumer Marketing Group, Roberto helps set the vision for next-generation brand experiences, fusing creativity, data, and emerging technology to shape the future of consumer engagement across Verizon’s portfolio.

Previously, he served as EVP, Executive Creative Director at Saatchi & Saatchi New York, where he redefined the creative standard for USAA, leading multidisciplinary teams nationwide. At McCann Worldgroup, he was SVP, Group Creative Director, where he architected the agency’s digital, UX, and creative tech capabilities, playing a central role in securing marquee accounts including Microsoft, the U.S. Army, and Staples—contributing to McCann’s recognition as Cannes Lions Network of the Year. At Blast Radius, a leading digital creative agency in the early 2000’s, he scaled the Seattle office from a boutique team of five to a powerhouse of 65+, spearheading award-winning global campaigns for Nike, Levi’s, and Starbucks.

Roberto’s early work with Xbox and Microsoft Zune positioned him at the vanguard of digital product innovation and emerging technologies.

A sought-after mentor and educator, Roberto contributes his time to The Future Academy at the School of Visual Arts, where he champions the next generation of creative leaders. Known for building high-impact, high-integrity teams, his work lives at the intersection of culture, design, and technology—transforming complex challenges into category-defining experiences.

Awards and Recognition

CANNES

ONE SHOW

CLIOS

WEBBYS

AWWWARDS

THE FWA

OMMA

ADAGE

ADWEEK

ESQUIRE

COMM ARTS

NPR

WALL STREET JOURNAL

LONDON INTERNATIONAL AWARDS