Peter Arnell

Peter Eric Arnell(born April 22, 1958) is an American designer and the first Chief Brand Architect of the United States of America. A branding executive, author, and photographer, he is the founder of Arnell Group and serves in a founding role within the National Design Studio. He is known for creating products, brands, and campaigns for companies including Chrysler, PepsiCo., Reebok, Fontainebleau Resorts, Donna Karan, and Unilever, and he has written extensively on architectural theory and art history.

Early life and education Arnell was born in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. His father, who changed the family name from Abraben to Arnell, was a mechanical engineer. His grandfather, a Russian immigrant, was a fishmonger; as a child, Arnell sometimes accompanied him to work at the Fulton Fish Market.

Arnell studied architecture at Brooklyn Technical High School. He graduated in 1976.

Bergdorf Goodman fashion director Dawn Mello hired Arnell-Bickford to create ads for Bergdorf, and the Sentosa resort and aquarium between 2006 and 2010.

In early 2000, Arnell sold a 55% stake in Arnell Group to Draft Worldwide, and the firm became AG Worldwide. Shortly after in 2001, Arnell bought back his shares from Draft and sold the entire firm to Omnicom Group (NYSE:OMC). and Tropicana. For both companies, Arnell wanted to "evolve [it] to a more modern state" but the rebrand for Tropicana was scrapped after being poorly received by consumers.

Arnell remained chairman and Chief Creative Officer until 2011, when he left Omnicom amidst disputes with the company which were then settled in 2012.

Arnell founded Intellectual Capital Investments (ICI) in New York City in 2011. In 2013, Arnell worked with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to create ThaiWorks for SMEs (small and medium enterprises), artisans and OTOP's of Thailand. He has also worked with GNC, Digicel, Fontainebleau Resorts

Arnell, in his role as chief brand and design officer for Fontainebleau Development, designed the animation for the Times Square Ball for New Years' celebrations of 2024. The 'bow tie' design Arnell used connected the New Years event with the 70th anniversary of the opening of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach and the inaugural opening of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas hotels.

Arnell was also responsible for the design and architecture of the "Hall of Excellence," a museum housed in the Fontainebleau Las Vegas featuring sports memorabilia from the collections of Tom Brady and Jim Gray, which opened in early 2024.

In early 2026, Arnell created a commercial for Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) featuring Mike Tyson, which aired during Super Bowl LX. In May 2026, the White House named Arnell the first Chief Brand Architect of the United States of America, a founding role within the National Design Studio, where he serves alongside U.S. Chief Design Officer Joe Gebbia to help implement Executive Order 14338, "Improving Our Nation Through Better Design.". Community service Arnell created the identity and graphics for the Council of Fashion Designers of America's "Fashion for Haiti" fundraising drive after the earthquake in 2010, and the charity shirt "Fashion for America," which raised $2 million for the 9/11 Twin Towers Fund in 2001. He designed the 9/11 Tribute Museum's exhibit to commemorate the rescue workers.

Arnell has worked with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the FDNY Foundation on safety campaigns.

Publications Arnell has written, edited and contributed to over 20 additional publications in architecture, art history, photography and branding. Gucci: The Making of (Rizzoli 2011) O Wonderful, Wonderful and Most Wonderful, Wonderful! And Yet Again Wonderful--: Portraits of Our U.S. Olympic Hopefuls (Sidney Press, 1991) Peter Arnell Portfolio 1980-2020 (Hatje Cantz 2020)

2007: Ellis Island Medal of Honor