About the Programming Chair

Tom Julian, Consultant

With over two decades experience in the advertising, strategy and retail worlds, Tom Julian has held a diverse range of titles from nonprofit director, fashion expert, trend analyst, book author, and most recently tech executive for a Warrendale-based predictive analytics firm.

Tom returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh in 2021 after longstanding posts with global ad agencies McCann/IPG and Fallon/Publicis where he led initiatives for Fortune 500 companies on global strategies, branded campaigns, and trend-focused projects. Adweek named Tom’s role as one of the “Coolest Jobs in Advertising.” Notable clients included BMW, Citibank, Nordstrom, Starbucks, United Airlines, and Nestle Purina.

Tom founded his own branding firm in 2008, Tom Julian Group, where he created innovative solutions for Nordstrom, Mastercard, Lifetime, and Nestle Purina. One of his coveted assignments? Being an author of two men’s style books for Nordstrom (“Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style” and “Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Everyday Dressing”).

Throughout his career, Tom has been a voice for the media on a range of business topics and cultural influences as well as an expert for a range of news and entertainment outlets. He also held the role of Oscar fashion expert for oscar.com for several years. He received the “Fashion Hall of Fame” award from Pittsburgh Fashion Week in 2013.

Tom earned his BSBA at Robert Morris University and attended Stanford University for continuing education in digital and social marketing.

He currently mentors students at the Warhol Academy (at the Pop District) who are evolving their education in content creation, product design and social media platforms. As a cultural enthusiast, Tom spends his free time locally as a supporter of the arts and music, museum and fashion initiatives.