An expert in brand strategy, integrated marketing communications and marketing management, R.J. is founder and principal strategist at Murray Brand Communications, Inc., a San Francisco based brand strategy and design agency. Prior to establishing Murray Brand Communications, R.J. served in senior marketing, brand management, sales and operations positions at IBM, The TIMEC Group and Telescan Systems. Since its founding, Murray Brand Communications has earned an international reputation for its work in brand strategy, design and integrated marketing communications. As a result, the company has earned more than 100 national and international brand strategy and designs awards and assisted clients by increasing revenues by more than one billion dollars. R.J. earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly University, and as an IBM Golden Circle award winner attended IBM’s Advanced Business Institute at Harvard Business School. In 2006 R.J. was selected by Harvard’s Graduate School of Design to lecture on brand strategy and in 2007 he was selected by the UC Davis, Graduate School of Management to lecture on marketing management. In his spare time, R.J. enjoys golf, weight lifting, mountain biking, backpacking, reading and playing guitar.

A seasoned senior designer with more than 21 years of creative experience, Erika joined Murray Brand Communications in 2015 as a design director specializing in brand identity and packaging design. Previously, her professional experience included 14 years at Deutsch Design Works and six years at Landor & Associates where she held multiple design positions including that of design director. An expert in logo and CPG package design, Erika has served as a senior designer or design director on projects for Budweiser, Robert Mondavi Winery, Sprint, Campbell’s Soup Company, SuperValu, Safeway and Albertson’s. Since joining the Murray Brand Communications staff, she has served as the senior creative on projects including the design of Pilgrim’s Pride – Grub Gourmet, Kerry International’s Oregon Chai, Oberto Sausage Company, Walmart and Reser’s Fine Foods. In her spare time Erika enjoys cycling, reading, cooking, hiking and being a mom to her two sons.

A specialist in brand strategy, John joined Murray Brand Communications in 2001 as a senior project manager and brand strategist. Previously, John served as a product manager for Market Tools, Inc. where he directed the team responsible for creating the company’s Internet-based qualitative research products. He was also a project manager with IBM’s Global Services Group and Troxler Electronics. Since joining Murray Brand, John has developed brand strategies and led design projects for clients including E&J Gallo, Clorox, Unified Grocers, Foster Farms, Broderbund Software, Superior Grocers, Perdue Farms, Crystal Dairy, Nonni’s Food Company and Walmart. From 2010 to 2015, John and his creative associates earned 13 national design awards for the excellence of their work. What’s more, John and his creative team have been featured in multiple design periodicals including Brandweek, Package Design Magazine and Brand Packaging. This included several cover stories. John earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Engineering from Cal Poly and an MBA in Marketing from the University of California, Davis. He is also a California State licensed professional engineer.

An expert in packaging design, editorial layout and brand identity, Brad joined Murray Brand Communications in June of 2007 as a design director. Prior to joining the team, Brad served as a senior designer at Thompson Design where he worked for three years. He also served as a staff and senior designer at Landor where he worked for nearly nine years. Since joining the Murray Brand team, Brad has directed packaging, P-O-S, brand identity and promotional collateral design projects for client including SanDisk, Walmart – Sam’s Choice, Nonni’s Food Company, Foster Farms, Dash, Reser’s Fine Foods, Trend Mico and Logitech-Virgin Mega Stores. During his career, the excellence of Brad’s work has been recognized both nationally and internationally as he has won multiple American Graphic Design Awards and one Beverage Packaging International Award. Client for whom these honors were gained include Kellogg’s, Walmart and Nonni’s Food Company. Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Art and Design from Cal Poly. In his free time, Brad enjoys silk-screening, refinishing furniture, collecting old radios and spending time with his wife and children.

A 20-year print and production veteran, Joe joined the Murray Brand Communications team in 2007 as a senior print, ink and production expert. Previously, he spent 10 years at The Caps Group (Caps 57) where he held multiple production positions including that of production manager. An expert in print and ink technology, Joe has managed comprehensive production projects for clients including Kraft Foods, Miller Brewing, ConAgra, Aurora Foods, Coca-Cola, Unified Grocers, Superior Grocers, Clorox, Walmart and Nestle. Since joining the Murray Brand Communications staff, he has directed production teams on layout and final design for Perdue Farms, Walmart, Cott Beverages, Foster Farms, Reser’s Fine Foods and Nuance Software to name a few. Joe earned a Bachelor of Fine Art in Communication Art from the Art Academy of Cincinnati. In his spare time he enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants, attending sporting and musical events and running.

A native of Beijing, China, Jane joined Murray Brand Communication in 2000. Since her arrival, she has managed all agency accounting and financial issues including AR, AP, payroll and financing.