Nicola Ryan

Nicola Ryan is the Vice President of Global Design at Condé Nast, where she leads an international team responsible for creating digital experiences across the company's prestigious brands, including Vogue, The New Yorker, Wired, and Vanity Fair. Her role involves overseeing a multidisciplinary team of designers, researchers, and UX writers to enhance user engagement and deliver impactful design solutions.12

Professional Background

Before joining Condé Nast, Nicola held significant positions in notable organizations:

• Creative Director at The Telegraph: She was responsible for strategic design initiatives and led a team that won awards for their innovative digital projects.
• Head of Digital Design at The Times: Here, she contributed to the redesign of digital products and enhanced user experiences across various platforms.
• Worked with agencies like Karmarama and Pentagram, where she honed her skills in branding and digital product design.12

Design Philosophy

Nicola emphasizes a collaborative and strategic approach to design, focusing on solving business problems through innovative solutions. She advocates for diversity in leadership styles within the design industry, highlighting the value of quieter, introverted leaders who can also drive success authentically.12

Education

Nicola is an alumna of the University of the Arts, London, which has equipped her with a strong foundation in design principles and practices.3

Her extensive experience and leadership in design make her a prominent figure in the field, influencing how major media brands engage with their audiences through digital platforms.