Dean Poole is co-founder of Alt Group, a multi-disciplinary design studio based in Aotearoa New Zealand. He studied at Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, majoring in sculpture, graduating in 1993.

Dean has created numerous projects of national and cultural interest including the promotion of the creative industries for Brand New Zealand, the Better by Design Programme for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and the creative leadership of the global Fisher & Paykel brand. He has created the brands for Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Museum, Blackgrace Dance Company, Silo Theatre and Stolen Girlfriends Club. His creative direction has been awarded over 500 international and national awards. He has received the highest design accolade in New Zealand ten times, The Purple Pin.

In 2010, he received the John Britten Black Pin, New Zealand’s most prestigious individual design award from the Designers Institute of New Zealand for his contribution to design in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. He served as the AGI International President (2018-2022).