**ABOUT STEPHEN**

Vallera stands as a pioneering force in the creative landscape, with over 15 years of achievements in creative leadership, industry-inspiring narratives, acclaimed campaign production, and imaginative thinking with marketers and brands around the world // A student of the creative agency world, early builder at META’s Creative Shop, co-founder of Reddit’s Karmalab, a global leader in AI AdTech and founding member of AdCouncil’s Emerging Media and Technology Committee – Vallera has dedicated his career to achieving harmony between compelling storytelling and innovative technology // Situated in Chicago, Vallera enjoys spending his time with family and fueling his creative spirit through music composition, travel, writing and photography.

**PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE**

Global VP, Creative Services, Smartly (2024–Current)

Sr. Manager Creative Strategy, North America, Reddit (2019–2024)

Creative Director, Meta (2013–2019)

Sr. Art Director, Ogilvy & Mather (2012–2013)

Art Director, Digitas (2011-2012)

Creative, Cramer-Krasselt (2008-2011)

**HIGHLIGHTS**

💡 Founding Member: Ad Council EMTC 
🏆 Award-Winning Global Creative Leader  
🛠️ Co-Founder META, Creative Shop 
🚜 Co-Founder Reddit, KarmaLab 
🎥 Award-Winning Series for Tourism New Zealand 
📙 Launched World Best-Selling Author 1st Interactive Novel 
🖼️ Led Tate Modern’s First Mobile AR Exhibit 
🦄 Made Purple Mattresses a Cult-Classic 

**AWARDS**

Digiday Winner: Best Social Video Campaign
Streamy Winner: Best Branded Content Series 
Nexty, Winner: Most Impactful Media Campaign 
American Advertising Awards, Winner: Best in Branded Entertainment 
Webby, People’s Voice Winner: Best Use of Mobile Media 
Webby, Nominee: Best Use of Data Driven Media 
Cannes Lions, Shortlist

**SELECTED PRESS**

AdCouncil - Emerging Media & Tech. Committee 
AdAge - Reddit Brands Creative Team, KarmaLab 
AdWeek - Reddit @ Cannes 
Variety - Netflix x Old Spice x Reddit Team Up 
AdAge - The Little Ice Cream Truck That Could 
Next Reality - FB x Tate Create “Virtual Wing” 
AdFreak - Tim & Eric's Very Weird New Series 
Pop. Science - Next Novel May Be In Messenger