Usman Saleemi is a creative director, brand strategist, and founder with fifteen years of experience building culture-driven brands at the intersection of commerce, culture and change.

Born in Pakistan and raised across the United States, Singapore, and Denmark, Usman built his craft across agencies including Publicis, M&C Saatchi, and Tonic International, with early experience spanning advertising, digital, brand design, and a stint in gaming with a Lahore-based startup. He spent eight years as ECD and Partner at Sweetwater MEA — the only partner in the agency's eighteen-year history — where he helped transform it from a boutique activation firm into an integrated, independent creative powerhouse with offices across UAE, KSA, Qatar, and Pakistan.

His work is specific and its results are measurable. The adidas Ravi Superstar sold out in twelve minutes, resold for up to $12,000, and generated $6.7 million in earned PR value across 646 million people. A four-year brand strategy partnership with Mashreq Bank grew their brand value by $1.6 billion, making them the fastest growing banking brand in the Middle East. House of Vans Dubai — the world's highest skate park — reached thirty million people across three sold-out days. The Pink Bra navigated genuine cultural taboos to teach Pakistani women breast cancer self-examination, earning a Cannes Lions shortlist and an NPR profile.

Awards include the Dubai Lynx Integrated Grand Prix, Entertainment Grand Prix, Cannes Lion, and two One Show Bronze Pencils. Ranked #1 Creative Director in IP & Innovation at the One Show, 2023. Work featured in CNN, Hypebeast, Vogue, High Snobiety, Rolling Stone Korea, NPR, Esquire, Campaign, and the Cannes Creativity Report.

A founding member of the ICOM Global Cross-Network Creative Council. Advisor to various MENASA based sport, culture and educational foundations and funds.

Currently building.