Design Forum founder Lee Carpenter leaving Interbrand

Dayton, Ohio -- Interbrand, a leading global brand consultancy, announced Wednesday that Lee Carpenter is leaving his current position as CEO of the North America region. Carpenter, CEO of Interbrand North America since 2007, will step down from his full-time role, effective July 23. He will continue to advise Interbrand during the next three months, but has decided to focus his attention on other personal opportunities.



Carpenter started Design Forum in 1978 as a traditional retail design firm in Dayton, Ohio. But surrounded with great creative talent and innovative thinking, he envisioned a wider scope for the role of design in retail problem solving. In 2002, Design Forum was acquired by Interbrand, extending its reach to help brands globally develop sound strategies and ground-breaking new brand experiences. In 2007, Lee assumed his current chairman and CEO role leading all of Interbrand’s North American units.



During his career, Carpenter has worked with a roster of international clients including Walgreens, Best Buy, Porsche, Burger King, AT&T, Disney, Chase, J.C. Penney, Honda, FedEx, Applebee’s, John Deere, Holiday Inn, The Home Depot and Procter & Gamble.



Josh Feldmeth, who currently leads Interbrand’s New York, San Francisco and Toronto offices has been promoted to succeed Carpenter. He will report directly to Interbrand Global CEO Jez Frampton, and will also sit on the Interbrand Global Executive Committee.



Dirk Defenbaugh will continue to lead Dayton-based Interbrand Design Forum.