Toronto-based branding and design firm Shikatani Lacroix, known for developing retail environments and wayfinding sign systems, has expanded with the addition of seven new team members.

Gary Oakley has been hired as creative director. His 29-year career includes experience with retail and consumer packaged good (CPG) brands like Loblaws, Bell, Rogers, Home Depot, Molson, Kraft and Nestle.

Doug Gammage joins as director of strategy and insights. He has more than 20 years’ market strategy experience with brands like Walmart, Sam’s Club and Parmalat Canada.

Jared Breski has been appointed brand strategist. He is a former adjunct professor of business at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Lee Photovath joins the Shikatani Lacroix studio as senior designer of branded environments. She has 11 years’ experience in interior design for retail, corporate and high-end residential properties.

Lisa Liu also joins as intermediate designer of branded environments. She has five years’ interior design experience, including the development of Telus’ retail stores across Canada.

Leann Zhou has been hired as an architectural technologist. Her seven years’ experience in the design field have been primarily corporate-focused.

Finally, Hilda Lam has joined the team as a project manager. She has worked on signage projects for Toronto’s Mel Lastman Square and Pearson International Airport.

“We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals,” says Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president and a member of Sign Media Canada’s editorial advisory board (EAB). “It is an exciting time for our agency as we continue to grow.”