CREATIVE DIRECTOR, PROTIVITI, SAN FRANCISCO CA

From designing nightclub flyers in the ‘90s to co-owning a boutique design firm to overseeing a Fortune 10 brand, Ryan Dahlheim’s career is anything but typical. With over 25 years of experience, he has driven innovative design across consulting, healthcare, and technology industries. As Creative Director at Protiviti, a global consulting firm, he oversees the creative direction and evolution of the Protiviti brand and all external marketing materials, leading an award-winning team to deliver compelling visual experiences that resonate with target audiences.

Prior to Protiviti, Ryan spent 11 years at McKesson, the world’s largest healthcare provider, where he rose to Director of Brand. There, he led the corporate creative team, maintained brand consistency across multiple channels, and played a key role in the brand’s evolution. His experience also included co-owning a boutique design firm specializing in digital experiences and branding, where he led all design work for clients including PeopleSoft, Blue Cross Blue Shield and more.

Ryan credits his success to his diverse background and passion for learning and leading. He strives to produce creative work that functions well, is distinct, and elegant—which isn’t always easy. However, when you have a team that brings unique perspectives and is willing to share, it’s amazing what you can create.

Between now and 2030, which specific skills, technologies, or priorities will matter most in shaping the future of graphic design?

With all the disruption from AI, it’s hard to predict what next year will bring, let alone 2030. But while AI may be disrupting every industry, it has also empowered us in ways I could have never imagined. My advice? Stay curious and hungry to learn. Keep an open mind to new ways and ideas. And above all, stay true to the craft. The tools may evolve, but the fundamentals of great design—solving problems, connecting with people, creating work that matters—those will always endure.

How do you stay relevant in an industry that changes so quickly?

Continuing to stay curious, hungry, open, and true—these are the elements you can control, the things that keep you relevant no matter what changes come. But I also lean heavily on my amazing award-winning team here at Protiviti. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but when you surround yourself with people who are passionate and embody those characteristics, magic happens. My success isn’t about me—it’s about being part of an incredible team that challenges, inspires, and elevates each other every single day.