Margaret Wolfson

Margaret Wolf is the Founder and Chief Creative of River + Wolf, a globally recognized brand naming and verbal identity agency. Since 2014, Margaret has led River + Wolf’s creative efforts, crafting memorable names, brand stories, and taglines for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, including Hyundai, De Beers, NBCUniversal, Philips, and Sephora. Her work has received widespread acclaim, with River + Wolf named a top agency by The Ad Review in 2021.

Margaret's passion for words and storytelling stems from a career spanning over 30 years in verbal branding and creative consulting. Before founding River + Wolf, she honed her skills as a naming consultant and creative director, collaborating with renowned agencies and clients across industries such as healthcare, technology, food and beverage, and luxury goods. As a sought-after thought leader, Margaret has contributed to and been featured in esteemed publications, including The New York Times, Fast Company, Inc. Magazine, AdAge, Forbes, and The Huffington Post. Recognized for her entrepreneurial excellence, she was named a top female entrepreneur by The Huffington Post in 2018.

Margaret’s expertise extends beyond branding into academia and public speaking. She has delivered lectures and workshops on brand naming at prestigious institutions, including the Wharton School, Columbia University, the Institut Français de la Mode, and Cinquième Sens in Paris. Her educational background includes a Master’s degree in Communications and Theater from New York University, where she cultivated a deep understanding of literature, mythology, and storytelling—elements that infuse her branding work with cultural and archetypal richness.

In addition to her commercial success, Margaret is a performing storyteller who collaborates with world musicians to bring myths and epics to life on global stages. This blend of artistry and strategy allows her to create verbal identities that resonate deeply with audiences while meeting the strategic goals of her clients.

Margaret’s innovative approach to naming combines creativity, cultural insight, and linguistic precision, making her one of the foremost experts in her field. Whether developing a name for a groundbreaking technology, a luxurious fragrance, or a sustainable product line, Margaret ensures that each project is imbued with meaning, clarity, and impact.