Which Sterling Cooper character is an Italian-American art director?

Salvatore Romano is the Italian-American art director at Sterling Cooper. The character is usually known as Sal Romano and is played by Bryan Batt.

Sal works in the agency’s creative department during the early seasons, collaborating with copywriters and helping shape the visual side of advertising campaigns. His position makes him part of Sterling Cooper’s creative leadership, alongside figures such as Don Draper and other art and copy staff. The character’s Italian-American identity is an explicit part of his background, distinguishing him from the other listed Sterling Cooper employees.

Sal’s personal life becomes an important part of his story. He is married to Kitty, but he is a closeted gay man in an era when openly acknowledging homosexuality could threaten a person’s marriage, career, and social standing. His attempts to conceal his sexuality create tension both at home and at work.

Freddy Rumsen is an account executive and copywriter, Ken Cosgrove works in accounts, and Paul Kinsey is a copywriter. None of those characters is the Italian-American art director described here, making Salvatore Romano the single canonical answer.