Chute Gerdeman names Brian Shafley as CEO, expands exec team

Columbus, Ohio -- Chute Gerdeman, a global design consultancy, announced an expanded executive team, including the appointment of Brian Shafley as CEO.



“We are in one of the most productive and innovative periods of Chute Gerdeman’s 25-year history,” said Chute Gerdeman Co-chairman Denny Gerdeman. “With these promotions, we have assembled a highly-talented leadership team that is building on the exciting opportunities at hand.”



As CEO, Brian Shafley will lead Chute Gerdeman’s executive team and guide the company’s evolution. Shafley is a 23-year Chute Gerdeman veteran and has been president and chief creative officer for the past nine years.



In addition to Shafley, chief marketing officer George Nauman and executive VP account management and COO Wendy Johnson will continue to serve on the executive team. Joining them are:



Jim Crawford, Chute Gerdeman’s chief experience officer, who will serve key client relationships with his expertise in customer experience technology and retail strategy. Crawford came to Chute Gerdeman last year from Taberna Retail, where he served as principal and founder. Prior to Taberna Retail, he worked as a retail analyst at Forrester Research and Retail Forward.



Jay Highland, who has been promoted to chief creative officer, will bring a strategic perspective to all CG creative efforts, providing account leadership and creative oversight.



Gary Yoko, who joins the leadership team as executive VP development. Yoko comes to Chute Gerdeman from HMSHost, where he was senior director of design.