Develop your own profile, network, career, and/or business by joining us at The Arts and Culture Network as a full member.
It's just £10 per month. Cancel any time.
Benefits are here. This profile is just one of them.
Meet Ed Khristus, design strategist and founder at Ettyq.
Ed Khristus is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive, and design strategist with over 15 years of experience in digital product development and business transformation. Several of his clients are arts and culture organisations.
In our interview together I created Ed's fantasy cultural year.
As the Managing Partner of ettyq, a creative design agency based in London, he has played a pivotal role in shaping brand strategies and user experiences for companies navigating change. His career is defined by his commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and a vision for integrating ethics and aesthetics in design.
Early Career and Digital Innovation
Ed began his professional journey in 2009 as a System Analyst and UX Designer at CBOSS, Inc., where he led the development of business process monitoring web systems and contributed to advancements in value-added services (VAS).
This role provided him with a strong foundation in digital transformation and strategic product development.
In 2011, he transitioned into UX design and project management, delivering over 20 projects for major global brands, including Samsung, Intel, Hyundai, McDonald’s, and Ikea. His expertise in user experience and design strategy positioned him as a leader in digital product development.
Leadership and Business Transformation
From 2012 to 2013, Ed served as Head of Delivery at 2Nova Interactive, where he managed project portfolios, integrated Agile methodologies, and streamlined production processes.
His leadership in digital transformation continued with the co-founding of Lominfo in 2016, a platform designed to connect independent metal processors and factories.
Through a Progressive Web Apps (PWA) model, he optimized operations and user engagement, successfully scaling the platform before selling it to a strategic investor.
In 2018, Ed co-founded ITBB, a marketplace that facilitated the buying and selling of IT businesses. Under his leadership, ITBB introduced innovative UI/UX enhancements, increased user engagement, and achieved significant revenue growth, leading to a successful acquisition by a market leader in 2023.
Establishing ettyq and Advancing Design Strategy
In 2023, Ed became the Managing Partner of ettyq, a London-based design agency specialising in transformative branding and strategy. With a focus on businesses undergoing mergers, acquisitions, and structural changes, ettyq helps brands establish strong, authentic, and visually engaging identities. Ed believes that design is not merely aesthetic but a powerful tool for effective communication and business differentiation.
Through ettyq, Ed continues to push the boundaries of conventional design, integrating storytelling and ethics into branding strategies. His leadership ensures that businesses stand out in competitive markets while maintaining long-term sustainability.
Contributions to Global Design Trends
Beyond his corporate role, Ed is preparing for a global lecture tour to explore the underlying drivers of design innovation. Backed by a prestigious family foundation, this initiative will examine emerging design trends worldwide, potentially leading to a book publication and a TED Talk.
Ed has expressed a preference for studying timeless design principles over fleeting trends, emphasising the importance of strategic brand identity. His research will begin in Spain or Portugal, where he seeks to uncover unique approaches to visual communication and business transformation.
Cultural Interests and Personal Endeavours
Ed is deeply engaged in arts and culture, contributing to branding and digital strategy for Bechstein Hall (above), a historic London venue that recently reopened after a century-long closure.
Music is a central passion in Ed’s life. He enjoys jazz, British indie pop, and metal, frequently discussing his appreciation for bands like Dream Theatre and Kings of Leon. His cultural explorations also extend to theatre, digital art, and performance arts, making him a well-rounded advocate for creative expression.
Future Vision and Impact
Looking ahead, Ed Khristus remains dedicated to driving innovation in design, branding, and digital strategy. His upcoming projects, including the Beckstein Hall launch and the global research initiative on design transformation, are set to influence the future of business storytelling and brand development. His ability to merge strategic thinking with artistic integrity positions him as a leader in the evolving world of digital design.
Ed lives in London and continues to inspire through his work, emphasising the role of ethics and aesthetics in shaping meaningful business narratives.
Ed's Fantasy Cultural Year
The Fantasy Cultural Year is a concept explored by Ed Khristus and Mark, centred on curating a year-long cultural itinerary based on personal experiences and artistic influences.
The initiative included structured yet imaginative elements, such as:
Selecting an iconic architectural landmark (Ed chose Fulham Palace and Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC).
Imagining a preferred beverage at a historic café (Ed opted for a pint of beer from Nick Oil).
Choosing a travel destination for cultural immersion (Ed selected Porto, Portugal).
Committing to a single musical genre for a year (Ed debated between jazz and British indie pop, particularly Arctic Monkeys).
Planning a week of cultural experiences, including theatre, opera, pop concerts, and digital art exhibitions.
Designing a fantasy lunch date at a Michelin-starred restaurant, where Ed humorously chose Kurt Cobain as his guest.
As part of this cultural vision, Ed’s upcoming trip to Porto included attending a digital art exhibition, a theatre performance, and a Fulham vs. Porto football match. His enthusiasm for Dream Theatre and progressive rock further influenced the musical aspects of the Fantasy Cultural Year.
Ultimately, this concept was a fusion of reality and imagination, showcasing Ed’s appreciation for arts, music, and storytelling. It demonstrated his belief in design as a cultural force that shapes personal and professional identities.
Would you like to be interviewed and promoted in this way?
This is just one of several benefits of full membership at just £10 per month (€12/$12) and you may cancel any time.
Join us here.
Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
Join us as a full member for "done for you" profile, network, career, and/or business development support for just £10 per month. Cancel any time.
Here are some of our full member testimonials:
"Had to write and say a huge thank you for the networking sessions you are running. Met some great people today, thank you so much."
"Great speed networking session today - I really enjoyed it and got some really relevant and valuable connections!"
"I've just joined!! £10 a month for a 1:1 business growth session, free networking, and access to all the events (on top of everything else!)?! This is INSANE value for money Mark and I'm so grateful for everything you've done to build such a supportive network of likeminded creative professionals."
Mark Walmsley FRSA AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
Comments