Design + Leadership
I build teams, brands, products, and businesses to deliver measurable value by setting strategy, crafting design and streamlining operations.
Available
London
Seattle
Stockholm
Independent Design Consultant
Self-employed 2020 - present
As an Independent Design Consultant, I lead cross-functional teams across industries, blending strategic leadership, consultancy, and hands-on design. My work spans venture accelerators for banks, FinTech in Nigeria, and AI solutions for broadcasters and patient diagnostics, alongside scalable design systems for global brands.
I scale and mentor design teams, providing executive guidance during transitions and rapid growth. I foster collaboration, transparent decision-making, and craftsmanship, ensuring high-quality deliverables that exceed expectations.
In fractional and interim leadership roles, I stabilize teams through transitions, quickly diagnosing challenges and implementing strategic solutions. Whether navigating leadership shifts, business pivots, or troubleshooting failing projects, I bring a steadying influence that helps teams realign and thrive.
Bank of America
Deloitte
Eli Lilly
Espresso House
ESPN
Health Equity
Highspot
McDonalds
Prenuvo
Solve Money
Royal Bank Canada
Sr. Dir., Design + CX capability lead
Cognizant 2017 - 2020
I led the development and growth of the Design Strategy function, positioning it as a key driver of success for Advisory. By optimizing resources and talent, the function generated over $200 million in downstream revenue, demonstrating design’s financial impact for the business.
I streamlined processes, fostered cross-department collaboration, and implemented frameworks to scale value delivery. Overseeing multiple managers and project teams, I ensured quality standards across a diverse project portfolio, guiding design strategies and elevating craft.
As the CX Advisory lead, I shaped strategy, refined offerings, and mentored teams while integrating CX insights into broader business strategies to deliver customer-centric, commercially viable solutions.
Amazon
Barclays
British Airways
Citi bank
Etihad
Football Association
KFC
ManCity FC
Nike
Nissan
Volvo
Virgin Money
Sr. Dir., Design + Managing Director
Cognizant 2016 - 2017
I led the integration of Idea Couture into Cognizant by standardizing operations across service design, product management, and digital strategy. I revamped the go-to-market strategy, working directly with design and sales teams to identify high-growth opportunities and develop differentiated product design offerings. Through strategic roadmapping and design sprints, I streamlined processes and enhanced client engagement.
Beyond integration, I ensured project quality across a diverse portfolio, conducting QA, mentoring teams, and implementing best practices. I also led business development across Europe, tailoring services to local markets, strengthening client relationships, and driving sustainable growth.
Avis
Barclays
Deutsche Telekom
Formula One
Northumbrian Water
NHS
Inmarsat
OneWeb
Sr. Dir., Experience Design
VCCP 2013 - 2016
I led VCCP’s transformation by embedding design-led thinking and Human-Centered Design, fostering a culture of innovation across the agency. This initiative resulted in specialized offerings and a successful spin-out to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Through a hands-on, collaborative approach, I mentored cross-functional teams, introduced frameworks to harness human insights, and integrated strategic design across projects. These efforts elevated work quality, enhanced client satisfaction, and attracted high-profile clients. The impact was recognized with VCCP winning Agency of the Year from both the IAB and Campaign Magazine, cementing its leadership in design innovation.
ASDA Walmart
BMW
Channel 4
Chelsea Barracks
EasyJet
Hisscox Insurance
Kia Automotive
Nike
McMillian
O2
Dir., Design AVP EMEA (contract)
Infusion 2011 - 2013
I led the EMEA Creative, Design and UX teams, ensuring that insight, design thinking and robust prototypes delivered value for clients. Working across a range of disruptive innovations that focused on human-centric solutions – from the world’s largest touch screen for O2 to identifying revenue opportunities for AI at The Daily Telegraph. I actively contributed to the development of the design and strategy methodologies for the business, including: vision development; idea generation and synthesis; multi-channel experiences, and human-centred design excellence
City of London
Etihad Airlines
Fox Broadcasting
Lois Vuitton
Telegraph Group
Samsung
Mashreq Bank
National Bank of Kuwait
Sr. Dir., Experience Design
Fortune Cookie 2009 - 2011
I incubated a high-growth experience offering within the agency, driving human-centered design, innovation, and transformation for our existing client base. This involved developing and implementing cutting-edge design methodologies and processes to enhance client experiences and deliver measurable results. Additionally, I led the strategic preparation for acquisition by the WPP Group, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with their broader business objectives.
BP
Daily Mail
Canon
Europcar
NetJets
Royal Caribbean
Founder & Design Director
Brightenup 2006 - 2009
I created, grew, and successfully sold a boutique design and product agency that seamlessly combined marketing, design, gaming, and technology to deliver innovative digital experiences across all touchpoints. Under my leadership, the agency developed cutting-edge solutions and comprehensive approach not only attracted a diverse client base but positioned the agency as an earlyt leader in the UX space, ultimately leading to a successful acquisition.
Guest lecture
• Hyper Island
• London University of Arts
• University of Illinois
Personal
Recently discovered a new hidden talent as a guest performer at daughter's ballet recital.
Evangelist for Made by Dyslexia Movement celebrating the unique strengths of Dyslexia.
Thrilled by adventure sports like kitesurfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and crochet.
I hold multiple World, European, and National championship titles in various sailing classes.