Michael Bruun | Design & Brand Director

Profile

Recruiter snapshot

I operate at the intersection of strategy, design and commercial execution. With more than 30 years of experience across Scandinavia, Europe and the US, I turn complexity into clarity and build brand platforms that deliver both emotional connection and measurable growth.

My career spans retail, buying, entrepreneurship, international sales, brand leadership and design direction, giving me a 360° understanding of the value chain from product to consumer.

Most recently, I worked with brand development at F&H Group across Zone Denmark and Jacob Jensen, aligning strategy, design direction, portfolio development and go-to-market execution.

I don't just build brands. I build momentum.

Selected Expertise

Strategy, design and commercial execution.

Brand Strategy

I define positions, narratives and decisions that give brands direction.

Brand Development

I build platforms that connect identity, product and market presence.

Design Direction

I guide design language, product expression and visual consistency.

Commercial Strategy

I link brand ambition to market relevance and business performance.

Product Development

I shape product concepts with clear purpose, quality and consumer value.

Portfolio Development

I create focus across categories, ranges and go-to-market priorities.

Creative Direction

I translate strategy into photography, film, packaging and storytelling.

Business Development

I identify opportunities and turn ideas into scalable commercial paths.

International Sales

I develop relationships and sales platforms across international markets.

Retail & B2B

I understand how design brands perform across retail, contract and B2B.

Leadership

I lead teams and cross-functional execution with clarity and momentum.

Design Thinking

I use insight, creativity and discipline to simplify complex challenges.

Selected Impact

Brand transformation with commercial purpose.

01

I transform product-driven brands into design-led lifestyle brands.

02

I build clear brand platforms based on personas, storytelling, product innovation and visual identity.

03

I scale international design businesses across retail, contract and B2B markets.

04

I connect creative excellence with commercial growth.

05

I develop high-performing teams and cross-functional brand execution.

Experience Timeline

From retail foundations to brand leadership.

June 2024 - June 2026

F&H Group A/S

Design & Brand Director

My latest role focused on brand strategy, design direction and portfolio development for Zone Denmark and Jacob Jensen.

March 2023 - June 2024

F&H Group A/S

Design & Brand Manager, Jacob Jensen

I developed and strengthened the Jacob Jensen brand platform, aligning heritage, design identity and commercial execution.

August 2018 - June 2024

F&H Group A/S / Zone Denmark

Design & Brand Manager

I led brand development and design direction for Zone Denmark, helping transform the brand from product-driven to a more focused, design-led lifestyle brand.

April 2016 - August 2018

Zone Denmark

Design & Brand Manager

I was responsible for brand strategy, product direction and visual identity. I built a focused brand platform based on core personas, product innovation and consistent storytelling across photography, film and packaging.

September 2015 - April 2016

Bovictus A/S

Commercial Manager - Brand, Design & Sales

I developed and executed global brand strategy, product concepts and creative direction across B2C and B2B markets.

January 2014 - December 2014

Bell Xpress A/S

New Business Manager

I developed new business opportunities based on Danish design heritage, including collaborations connected to Jacob Jensen Design and Koncept Lighting.

May 2006 - January 2014

EGOtogether A/S

Founder / Partner / Creative Executive Officer / Entrepreneur

I built and scaled a design-driven startup into an international company with global distribution and more than 1,500 retail, contract and B2B partners worldwide. I worked with leading Danish designers, retailers, hotels and restaurants, combining design, communication and commercial execution.

2000 - 2006

Bell A/S

Partner / Commercial Manager / Project Development

I developed business strategies, international sales platforms and global distribution through direct relationships with distributors and agents.

1993 - 2000

F&H of Scandinavia

Commercial Manager / Chief Buyer

I held full budget responsibility for a large purchasing volume across multiple product categories. I led buying teams, supplier development, international sourcing and contributed to strategic business development.

1990 - 1993

F&H of Scandinavia

Buyer

I worked with international sourcing, buying and supplier relations.

1989 - 1990

Salling A/S

Assistant Manager

I gained early retail management experience in department store operations.

1987 - 1988

Harrods Ltd.

Sales Assistant

I gained international retail experience in London.

Brands & Design Context

Danish design, lifestyle and commercial transformation.

Zone Denmark Jacob Jensen F&H Group Bell Xpress EGOtogether Bovictus

Leadership Philosophy

I build brands where strategy, design and people meet.

My approach combines clear positioning, strong visual identity, commercial discipline and a deep understanding of how products live in the market.

01

I bring clarity before complexity

02

I design with commercial purpose

03

I build brands people remember

Contact

Let'sConnect

LinkedIn LinkedIn

Location Aarhus, Denmark

Email mblisberg@gmail.com

Phone +45 20 22 07 60