KIRK BRAY
Can you give us a bit of background on yourself? When did you join EY, where were you prior to joining, etc.?
I joined EY in early 2022 in the weird, just-about-done-with COVID time. Before that, most of my early career was in brand development—naming, packaging, launch campaigns, the whole mix. I loved it, but over time I realized I was most drawn to the bigger‑picture, systems side of things. I was also teaching UX courses at Tyler School of Art, which pulled me further into the field as I moved through other agencies and into more enterprise digital work. Cut to 2026, I am loving building a better working future world etc. confidently with confidence.
You’ve recently entered into a new role at Studio+, are there any new opportunities, projects, or events or roles that you are looking forward to for the year?
I haven’t decided yet whether I will use my manager powers for good or evil, but just happy to be on the team, and here to do whatever I can to help make cool stuff together. The variety and the opportunity at this place to explore new things is what I’m here for.
You’ve got a real eye for design and really push the boundaries of what might be expected to come from a firm like EY, is there anything you’ve been messing with or drafting up that you can share with us (not client facing)?
I have been messing around with lenticular film art lately. It’s cool! (Look it up). Also slowly getting back into music recording while cool-dad status is still allowable.
In addition to your new role at Studio+, you’ve also entered into a new role of managing Music League; can you give a quick background on what Music League is and who folks at EY should contact if they want to join?
Music League is a long-running and super-fun activity that started in the PHL office but has branched out slowly over the years. You get to share a little about yourself/your taste and learn what everyone else actually listens to. You get a fresh playlist with everyone’s song pick week to week. It’s low pressure but really engaging—some of us count the weeks by it. Shoot me a message if you want to get onboard!
What is something people don’t know about you because the right question hasn’t gotten around to you yet?
I was focused on film/video/motion for a time after college. I spent a summer traveling around with John Legend on a tour with Sade at a few spots around the country as a second camera/PA. I think the highlights of my life have been—seeing my kids for the first time, my wedding day, and being in the same room with Sade.
First concert? Favorite venue? Furthest you’ve traveled for a concert?
I wasn’t a fan at the age of 10, but my dad took me to a Steely Dan concert (at the Spectrum?). Aja is pretty good though.
Last question, you are the headliner of a concert, what band or song opens for you?
Ween, probably
