People
Vince Guzzi
Managing Partner
Mike Grace
Partner, Finance & Operations
Donna Davis-Young
VP Human Resources
Brad Wilson
VP Business Development
Peter Grimaldi
EVP Integrated Brand Creative
Alexa Retchkiman
VP International Client Development
Ian Cooke
VP Client Development
Juan Esquijarosa
VP International Business
Liliana Saavedra
Senior Director, Client Development
Brian Bettencourt
Senior Creative Director
Inder Bangari
Senior Director, Strategy
Jill Williamson
Senior Client Manager
John Macdonald
Design Director
Alex Ferreira
Senior Graphic Designer
Kaylianna Lee
Marketing Manager
Alexander Javan
Senior Client Manager
Lori Fournier
Senior Copywriter
Sassan Amiri
Senior Environmental Designer
Jaime Meiteen
Intermediate Environmental Designer
Clarisse Villajonda
Client Manager
Tim Klein
Senior Environmental Designer
Shannon Chan
Client Manager
Paul Wiersma
Senior Graphic Designer
Akriti Kapur
Senior Graphic Designer
Vince Guzzi
Managing Partner
vguzzi@wattisretail.com
As Managing Partner of Watt International, Vince leads a globally recognized integrated retail agency that delivers strategic and creative services to enable retailers to position themselves for growth and success. Vince is both a seasoned and multi-disciplined strategist who applies a holistic view to assess brand and business challenges. Vince has a solid track record of delivering solutions that get in-market results and build lasting brand equities for clients, evidenced by the market leading brands he has worked on across the world, increasing shareholder value and creating award-winning work along the way.
Having spent a number of years working in market research, consumer insight, strategic planning, and business consulting, Vince brings a solid background encompassing both agency and client side experience. He has worked with leading national and global brands in the consumer packaged goods and service industries, and with retailers on a global scale.
Mike Grace
Partner, Finance & Operations
mgrace@wattisretail.com
Mike leads Watt’s Finance & Operations teams and is responsible for the diverse portfolio that makes up our back-office operations. While these activities are usually less visible to clients, his work ensures that our projects are delivered on budget and on time. He sees his role as delivering the framework to build success for our clients, and as such is constantly thinking about ways to streamline and contemporize our ways of working, from constantly refining our project management tools to ensuring that our bills get paid on time and that the office runs smoothly.
His focus is always on anticipating challenges that could interrupt efficient delivery of projects and ensuring that our teams have suitable resources to maximize productivity. Mike considers himself to be highly detail orientated, a skill he developed in his early years working in the audit practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
During her long tenure at Watt, Donna has led the Human Resources (HR) function, and sees herself as the fulcrum between the company and our teams. As leader of our people and practices, she views Watt’s employees as our most valuable resource, and works to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best people to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
A key part of her role is understanding the evolving culture of work, and ensuring that our teams have access to services and resources that help them achieve strong work-life balance, in order to enable them to produce highly differentiating and effective work.
Donna’s strength is reflected in her history of speaking at conferences on a variety of HR topics and her success in continually evolving Watt’s HR practices in the ever-changing world of retail design.
Brad Wilson
VP Business Development
bwilson@wattisretail.com
Brad brings a diverse range of experience to his role in helping introduce the talented Watt team to new clients. Brad has over a decade of experience on the supply side of retail, having built a successful beverage company in Australia which supplied all major retailers in that market. As an early stage investor in North America in recent years, his exposure to new technologies and business models also helps him join the dots on possible value adding partnerships for Watt’s clients.
Peter Grimaldi
EVP Integrated Brand Creative
pgrimaldi@wattisretail.com
As the EVP Integrated Brand Creative, Peter oversees all creative output at Watt, providing direction and guidance to our retail environments, brand identity, packaging, graphics and communications design, and retail marketing practices. A key part of his role is leading Watt’s creative vision, mentoring our creative teams, and advising projects from initial pitching to prospective clients, through to design strategy, concept creation and execution.
Peter is an industry veteran with over 25 years of creative and design experience. He originally trained as an architect and started his career as an Art Director for international retailer Club Monaco. From there, Peter spent over seven years in traditional advertising, working at agencies: J. Walter Thompson, Grey Worldwide, Arnold Worldwide, and Redwood BBDO. Peter eventually made the jump to the flourishing discipline of content marketing, developing new ways for brands to engage with consumers through original, multi-channel content. In 2013, he joined the Facebook / Meta Global Creative Shop team, working closely with clients and agencies to build engaging and breakthrough brand experiences.
With a broad range of category experience that spans CPG and E-Comm to fashion and luxury retail, Peter’s approach has always been to combine design and human insight to create compelling ecosystems that connect people with brands.
Alexa Retchkiman
VP International Client Development
aretchkiman@wattisretail.com
A key member of the client management team here at Watt for the past two decades, Alexa has substantive experience across major retailers in both North and South America. Some of the many projects she has worked on include: defining the private label strategy for Walmart’s Great Value and Equate brands; building an award-winning experiential retail format for Häagen-Dazs; re-envisioning the brand experience for Vips, Mexico’s largest food service chain; and working with diverse major retailers including Walgreens, Kroger, Hudson’s Bay, Gigante, Liverpool, Recubre, and The Home Store.
Alexa is passionate about delivering seamless client service, ensuring that her projects are delivered on time and within budget. As an advocate for her clients, Alexa continually seeks new ways to drive forward business results for her clients and ensure that every initiative delivers strong returns on investment.
Alexa is fluent in three languages and holds an honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the Center of Studies in Communication Sciences in Mexico City, with a specialization in marketing and advertising.
Ian Cooke
VP Client Development
icooke@wattisretail.com
As a key member of our client management team here at Watt International, Ian prides himself on being the connective tissue between our clients and our teams. In building strong relationships, Ian’s focus is not on selling, but on meeting some of our clients’ most difficult challenges with creative solutions. He prides himself on delivering the right solutions for clients and steering them away from rote services that do not answer business challenges.
Ian’s background in events, promotions and retail activations has provided him with an innate understanding of the drivers of shoppers’ behaviour, and how our clients can develop a customer experience that differentiates them in the highly competitive retail environment.
He is most proud of his work across major North American retailers like Canadian Tire and Longo’s, and the revolutionary creation of the Market 32 brand for Price Chopper.
Juan Esquijarosa
VP International Business
jesquijarosa@wattisretail.com
Juan is a veteran of the retail design industry, with four decades of experience delivering retail experience solutions to clients across North and South America and Europe.
Juan’s keen ability to understand the challenges our clients face and deliver solutions that meet shopper needs has led him to build relationships that last decades. These strong partnerships have included some of the most challenging projects here at Watt.
During his time at Watt, Juan has worked on many diverse projects, but he is most proud of his work on the Costanera Center, one of South America’s best performing mall developments. Unlike the typical one- or two-storey malls seen most often in North and South America, the Costanera concept is unique in that the mall development is an impressive six storeys high.
Juan’s extensive portfolio of projects completed on time and on budget is a testament to his unwavering client focus and his commitment to driving results.
Liliana Saavedra
Senior Director, Client Development
lsaavedra@wattisretail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liliana-saavedra-valdiri-74695692/
As a member of the client management team here at Watt International, Liliana is always looking for ways to help clients realize the vision for their brands. She sees nurturing relationships and building strong connections as a key part of her role.
For Liliana, delivering against a client’s vision involves fully understanding their needs and plans, helping them to right-size opportunities, and helping them translate opportunities into executable designs. She is passionate about the opportunity to use design thinking to create impactful designs that can change the world of shopping.
As a Colombian herself, Liliana is particularly proud of work undertaken for the retail brand Éxito in her home country. This project involved taking the brand in a completely new direction, away from its traditional equities, and creating a new brand experience that delivered against shopper and consumer needs.
Brian Bettencourt
Senior Creative Director
bbettencourt@wattisretail.com
Brian has shaped the focus of the Environmental Design practice here at Watt. He has designed spaces across many continents and in virtually every format and retail category, from sporting goods to food and supermarkets, pop-ups, apparel, houseware, jewellery, movie theatres and restaurants. There is not a design challenge that Brian will steer away from and, as a result, Brian is a multi-award-winning designer, and is recognized for his work on many major retail brands such as Nike, Häagen-Dazs, Canadian Tire and Longo’s to name a few.
Brian’s design point of view was shaped by his education in the Anthropology program at Carleton University, and the Interior Design school at Algonquin College in Ottawa. His cultural and design training inspires his passion for creating retail and service environments that strategically work both functionally and aesthetically to drive sales results.
Inder brings a unique combination of skills to his role as Senior Director, Strategy. His expertise and experience across Private Label Strategy, Research & Insights, and the development of truly differentiating positioning for retail brands make him a key partner across the many programs we work on for our clients.
He sees his key strength as his ability to distill data from a wide variety of sources – from financial analysis, market research, and secondary sources – to provide actionable insights and benchmarks that lead to sound and effective marketing and retail strategies. He has a deep understanding of both client and stakeholder needs, and encourages clients to think differently about their brands and to focus on the needs of their customers.
His ‘can do’ attitude epitomizes Watt’s commitment to delivering excellence for our clients irrespective of the challenges they face.
Inder joined Watt after more than a decade working in creative agencies in India and the Middle East, including a stint at DDB’s Dubai offices, which included the production of work that won coveted IPA Effectiveness Awards.
Jill joined the Watt team in 2007 and now works as a Senior Client Manager. Jill’s main area of focus has been Client Management and project rollouts for package design for clients such as A&P, Kroger and more recently Price Chopper, as well as environmental retail design project management for clients including Canadian Tire, The NorthWest Company, Price Chopper and Mark’s Work Wearhouse.
Jill provides seamless execution of complex projects involving a multitude of design elements and challenging timelines. From initial design concepts through to final production artwork, Jill provides a unique blend of experience within the advertising, package design and retail world that ensures clients are provided with effective solutions delivered with a tireless enthusiasm.
John Macdonald
Design Director
jmacdonald@wattisretail.com
With more than 20 years experience in retail – gained not just in retail design but as a senior retail manager responsible for merchandising – John has a keen knowledge of shopper behaviour, retail management and merchandising, and is able to ensure that Watt’s retail projects are managed effectively and delivered on budget and on time.
John sees his role as a pragmatic design manager, ensuring both accuracy in delivery and pushing for out-of-the box solutions in today’s highly competitive and challenging retail environment. As a practitioner, not only does he take pride in executional excellence, he also contributes to building design excellence through mentoring as a part-time professor at Ryerson University, where he teaches courses in the Retail and Hospitality Design program.
Alex Ferreira
Senior Graphic Designer
aFerreira@wattisretail.com
As a Senior Graphic Designer, Alex creates and develops compelling brands and graphic communications for Watt’s clients. Alex brings visual concepts to life, ensuring they align with our clients’ vision and effectively communicate their message. Whether it’s designing signage, displays, or visual merchandising elements, Alex plays a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic and visual identity of our clients’ retail spaces.
Alex is a hands-on award-winning Art Director & Designer with over 15 years of experience in both print and digital. Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, Alex has received training in Italy and the United States, enriching his design expertise with diverse cultural influences. With a true passion for design in all its forms, whether it’s branding, packaging, fashion, or interior design, he brings a unique and versatile perspective to every project. With a multi-disciplinary approach, Alex has created concept-driven visual brand identities expressed through thoughtfully crafted printed and digital creative solutions for a wide variety of clients such as Molson, Tridel, Rogers, Oxford Properties, Cadillac Fairview, Starbucks, Kraft, Galderma, Scale Hospitality Group, Melía Hotels, Fitzrovia, Pepsi, Bank of Montreal, and Reebok.
Wanderlust fuels Alex’s spirit, and he has a strong desire to explore the world. Traveling allows him to gain new experiences, broaden his horizons, and seek inspiration from diverse cultures. He believes in living life to the fullest and seizing opportunities for growth and creativity.
Kaylianna’s marketing savvy comes from her 6+ years of experience in the PR, advertising, and brand marketing worlds. She is well-versed in all aspects of marketing – running integrated campaigns across multiple mediums and media channels, as well as event planning and execution.
As the Marketing Manager, Kaylianna is responsible for managing the strategic direction and development of marketing initiatives supporting Watt’s brand awareness, reputation, and industry leadership in retail brand strategy and retail experience design. She works closely with both the strategy and creative teams to ensure the accuracy and quality of all marketing efforts, while keeping up to speed with current trends in the design and retail worlds.
Kaylianna honed her marketing and technical skills with her studies at the university and college levels. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management at the University of Manitoba and continued her studies at Humber College with a post-graduate certificate in Public Relations.
Alexander Javan
Senior Client Manager
AJavan@wattisretail.com
As Senior Client Manager, Alexander is dedicated to our Price Chopper client, managing the planning, development, and flawless execution of client deliverables.
With over 6 years of client services experience under his belt, Alexander has honed his account management skills with a diverse group of retail and financial services clients. He’s managed cross-functional teams and integrated marketing campaigns for companies like Pattison Food Group, PODS, Scotiabank, and CIBC.
Alexander has a passion for creativity and innovation, a keen eye for design, and enjoys working through a collaborative creative process with the team and with clients. Ultimately, client satisfaction is his top priority.
He received his BA in Media Production from Ryerson University in the Radio & Television Arts program. His interests include music, songwriting, tennis and fitness. After work, you can catch him strumming his guitar or playing the piano.
Lori began her career in the industry by writing food stories for the Loblaws Insider’s Report where she worked with master brander Dave Nichol. She has always been drawn to copywriting, and believes that good copywriting begins with good listening.
In her 20+ years of experience, she’s worked on clients like CBC, Scotiabank, PetSmart and Humber College. Along the way, she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in English at the University of Toronto, with minors in sociology and sexual diversity.
As a senior member of the graphics/communications team, Lori leads and oversees the copywriting for Price Chopper and Market 32. Her dedication to excellence and creative finesse makes her an invaluable asset, driving the narrative strategy behind this prominent brand.
Sassan Amiri
Senior Environmental Designer
samiri@wattisretail.com
As a key member of the environments group, Sassan’s role is to develop concepts for consumer-focused retail and brand experiences.
Sassan is an Environmental Design graduate from OCAD University, with over 8 years of experience in concept development and retail design. His career has been focused on creating innovative design solutions, particularly in the realm of store design concepts for renowned brands such as Telus, Koodo, and Public Mobile. Additionally, he has contributed his expertise to campaigns and branding strategies for clients such as SJ Republic Bank, Dollar Car Rental, Hertz, and Purolator.
Sassan’s passion lies in using design thinking to tackle challenges and create spaces that truly resonate with end-users.
Jaime Meiteen
Intermediate Environmental Designer
jmeiteen@wattisretail.ca
As a member of the environments group, Jaime develops compelling retail concepts and effective creative design solutions that meet our clients’ business objectives.
Jaime is an experienced designer with a passion for bringing brands to life through the visualization of thoughtful environmental design that helps brands stand out and connect with their audiences on a deeper level.
Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design and a Master’s Degree in Architecture, Jaime brings over 6 years of experience in architectural and branding design, as well as a strong commitment to sustainable design practices.
As a Client Manager, Clarisse supports clients with in-store marketing and communications solutions.
Clarisse is an operations enthusiast turned account management pro with 4 years of hands-on experience. She has honed her account management skills when working on the development and execution of client deliverables with Mastercard Canada.
She’s always up for a challenge and loves seeing projects to completion, especially when she sees them come to fruition. Clarisse also loves building relationships with internal teams and clients.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at the University of the Philippines and continued her studies at George Brown College with a Marketing Diploma.
Tim’s expertise is in planning, producing working drawings, 3D modelling, and computer animation. In his 30-year career, Tim has worked on projects around the world – from North and South America to Scandinavia, Japan, Israel, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Key brand designs under his belt include: Arturo’s, Car Choice, Do-it Centres, The Brick, Carulla, Food Basics, Giant Tiger, Gigante, Jumbo, Longo’s, MT&T, Sobeys, Walmart USA, CIBC, Coop (Sweden), Giant Foods, Longs Drugs, RONA, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, SkyDome restaurant, and more.
His guiding principle is that since everyone interacts with retail throughout the day, our job is to make that experience pleasant and memorable. Successful, human-centred design is good for the consumer and the merchant’s bottom line.
As a Client Manager, Shannon supports the client, Price Chopper, with specific in-store communication requests. Shannon has over 2 years of experience in marketing and project management and over 3 years of experience working in the dog grooming industry. She graduated from Humber College and Durham College and holds a certificate for Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM)®.
Prior to joining Watt, Shannon liaised with cross functional teams in the dental corporation and supply industries. She worked on leading projects, and participated in trade shows, led marketing campaigns, maintained budgets and worked with 26 different dental offices to provide continuous support to grow the office’s revenue.
Shannon also has sound knowledge on consumer behaviour from working in a retail environment.
Paul Wiersma
Senior Graphic Designer
pwiersma@wattisretail.com
Paul is passionate about graphic design, beginning with an inspiring idea as foundation and building upon it to create a beautiful design that communicates effectively. He is motivated by a deep respect and appreciation for the craft, and the attention to detail it requires to perform. Paul continuously pursues elegant typography, carefully considered proportions and clean, crisp designs in his work.
Paul has 20+ years of experience working on some of the world’s most successful brands such as Mercedes-Benz Canada, Keilhauer, Esso, RBC, Cara Foods, and Fallsview Casino in which he was recognized with a commendable 9 award wins for his work.
As a senior member of the graphics/communications team, Paul leads and oversees the marketing graphic design for Price Chopper and Market 32.
Akriti Kapur
Senior Graphic Designer
akapur@wattisretail.com
Akriti is a certified Registered Graphic Designer with 12+ years in the industry, designing visual identities, consumer packaging, advertising, and websites for leading brands as well as start-ups.
With a focus on brand design, she has provided design solutions for multiple clients from the FMCG, real estate, liquor, and automotive sectors supporting brands such as Nestle, MDM Developments, Labatt, and Volvo. Her work on CPG brand Organic Shastra was featured on the Packaging of the World website, and one of her greatest achievements was winning a special winner certificate at the Absolut India Bottle Design competition.
Akriti is a keen learner that stays up to date with the latest design trends. She loves designing with typography and wants to expand her work in the world of sustainable packaging design.
As a Senior Graphic Designer on the graphics/communications team, she will be handling branding, packaging, and retail graphics for Watt’s clients.