Desmond Smalley

Desmond, affectionately known as “Des” to colleagues and friends, is a dynamic brand strategist with a passion for storytelling and cultural impact.
A Hampton University graduate with a B.A. in Strategic Communications and a minor in Leadership Studies, Des moved to New York to build a career at the intersection of media, marketing, and culture. 
He began at The New York Times, where he worked in Ad Sales across Finance, Real Estate, and CPG & Spirits, overseeing an $8M book of business. There, he consistently exceeded sales goals, built relationships with C-suite executives, and launched the company’s first-ever DEI Externship Program, introducing 25 BIPOC students to the world of advertising.
Des then joined HYPEBEAST, a culture-forward publication covering fashion, design, tech, spirits, and lifestyle. He managed key accounts for Diageo and Pernod Ricard while also spearheading the development of the finance and fintech category. 
Currently, Des serves as the Director of Brand Partnerships at Cultured Magazine a global publication read primarily by artists, gallerists, collectors, curators, and more, focusing on fostering new relationships in Spirits, Auto, Tech, Art, and Design categories through event, branded content, editorial collabs, and social just to name a few.
At his core, he believes that we are all put on this earth to create —whether through opportunities, experiences, art, or fashion— and he remains dedicated to shaping meaningful narratives through storytelling with his brand partners.