Appointments reinforce BUCK’s commitments to brand and creative innovation in a rapidly evolving landscape.
NEW YORK, August 24, 2026 — BUCK, the design-driven, global creative company, has announced two leadership appointments: Jay Grandin has been appointed Chief Brand Officer, and Michelle Higa Fox, Group Creative Director, expands her role to also lead BUCK's newly formed Applied Research Group (ARG). These strategic appointments underscore BUCK’s investment in creative innovation and its brand strategy, its dedication to continuing education around new tools and technologies, formalized this year with the launch of the ARG, and its intentional approach to global brand positioning.
Jay Grandin to lead BUCK’s global brand positioning
Jay Grandin joins BUCK from Giant Ant, an award-winning animation studio that he founded and ran for 18 years as Executive Creative Director. Jay’s extensive industry experience positions him well for the role of Chief Brand Officer, leading BUCK’s internal and external positioning across its global offices.
“BUCK has been punching above its weight in the brand, campaign, and research spaces for years now. As a longtime fan from the outside, and now the inside, I've always admired BUCK's ability to blaze new trails in our industry; it's exciting to be a part of telling those stories more comprehensively,” Jay Grandin said.
Michelle Higa Fox to Spearhead Applied Research
Michelle Higa Fox heads up the new Applied Research Group (ARG) at BUCK, a dedicated R&D team that evaluates new techniques, connects expertise across the studio, and helps BUCK's teams navigate technological change. Since 2022, Michelle has served as Group Creative Director of Experience, co-leading the team behind BUCK’s interactive, real-time, and in-product work for technology clients.
BUCK’s ARG investigates emerging technologies across three focus areas: visual intelligence, systems intelligence, and education. The group's research supports BUCK's artists globally, connecting and amplifying innovation across all departments while upholding the craft that defines BUCK.
“BUCK is filled with artists who are curious, rigorous, and generous with what they learn. The Applied Research Group exists to celebrate and support them as the technology around us keeps changing,” Michelle Higa Fox said.
"Jay and Michelle have shaped BUCK for years, and this moment reflects that," said Emily Rickard, CEO of BUCK. "Jay will help us tell our story more clearly to the world. And R&D has been part of our DNA since the beginning, the Applied Research Group solidifies that commitment as we keep researching, learning, and teaching each other."
About BUCK
BUCK is a design-driven, global creative company with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, Amsterdam, Vancouver, and London. Founded in 2004, BUCK has built a reputation for outstanding craftsmanship and innovation through collaboration with a wide range of clients across the cultural and technology spheres, including Nike, Apple, Netflix, IBM, Airbnb, and Google. Recognized as an industry leader, BUCK’s trophy case includes two Emmys, multiple gold Cannes Lions, Clios, pencils, cubes, and over 200 other awards from the most prestigious competitions in the world.
BUCK is in Residence, a global network of independent creative companies.