Executive design leader with a proven track record of scaling design organizations and driving multi-billion dollar business growth through human-centered product development. Known for building and leading UX teams that transform streaming media businesses, having scaled Disney+ from launch to 126M subscribers and grown design teams from 2 to 26 across global locations. Consistently deliver breakthrough products by combining evidence-based design strategies with exceptional craft.
- 24 years experience
- 40+ products built
- 13 years managing teams
- 26 largest team
Experience
The Walt Disney Company
Senior Director, Product Design
April 2018 - August 2023
Née MLB Advanced Media / BAMTech, acquired in August 2017
Led design strategy and operations for Disney's streaming portfolio (Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, STAR+), driving exceptional business growth and operational efficiency:
- Scaled Disney+ and ESPN+ from launch to 126M subscribers in two years through strategic design leadership, innovative Growth Design programs, and cross-functional collaboration
- Transformed streaming operations by implementing 40+ Enterprise SaaS tools, reducing operational costs by $80M annually while increasing monthly recurring revenue by 25%
- Built high-performing design teams through organizational development initiatives that reduced attrition by 50% and accelerated hiring efficiency by 80%
Secondary achievements:
- Successfully launched STAR+ in Latin America, reaching 11.5M subscribers through fan-centric sports experience design
- Led design organizations through major transitions including Disney+ & Hulu merger and BAMTech acquisition
- Established a unified design system and brand architecture across a global streaming portfolio.
- Developed leadership pipeline through mentorship of Directors, Managers, and Lead Designers
Director, Product Design
September 2015 - April 2018
Led design strategy for MLB's streaming technology division, building the foundation for a $4B acquisition by Disney. Established the organization's first UX Research practice and design culture while pioneering cost-efficient development processes through innovative prototyping and resource management.
- Scaled streaming design team from 2 to 26 practitioners across US and EU markets, establishing UX Research, Growth Design, and Enterprise SaaS capabilities
- Launched 6 new streaming services, significantly expanding BAMTech's market position and enterprise value
- Established design culture and career development framework that enabled rapid team scaling across two continents
Disney Projects
- Disney+
- Disney+ GroupWatch
- hulu
- ESPN+
- Disney StreamEngine
MLBAM Projects
- MLB.tv
- NHL.tv / NHL.com
- Eurosport Player
- MLS LIVE
- PGA Tour Live
- [Confidential]
Voxnest / BlogTalkRadio
Sr. Director, Product & UX
September 2010 - April 2015
Led product and design through a strategic pivot from a live radio platform to a monetized podcasting ecosystem. As the first design leader, established user-centered practices and design operations, while leading a cross-functional team of 7 engineers, designers, and content strategists.
- Drove 37% YoY ad revenue growth by architecting a patented programmatic advertising platform (US20170195373A1) for targeted podcast monetization
- Increased subscription revenue by 42% YoY through the development of comprehensive creator tools including analytics, educational content, and audio processing
Director of UX Design
December 2010 - December 2013
- Grew daily active users 95% YoY by launching a mobile-first listening experience and modernizing platform design
- Designed Cinchcast, a new enterprise conferencing product, from concept to launch.
BUZZD City Guide
Director of UX
August 2009 - August 2010
Buzzd was a mobile social travel guide for the US. As the UX Director I introduced user-centered product development, directed a brand redesign, and managed agile development process. These accomplishment extended Buzzd's runway by 6 months.
- Increased overall user activity by 200%+ by redesigning the browse locations UI to meet user expectations.
- Increased user account activation 20% by optimizing the onboarding UX and delivering customer value faster.
- Solved the biggest user complaint by increasing app speed 100% with faster location searches, and responsive images.
Edelman Digital
Technical Director
April 2007 - October 2008
- Managed a team of 4 web developers including career development and resource management.
- Led the software architecture and development of projects for Fortune 500 clients.
- Drove business development as the technology consultant for new clients.
Kageki Group
Founder & Principal
Jan 2000 - Dec 2005
Kageki is a digital consultancy helping companies navigate ambiguity in 0-1 ideas and organizational transition.
- Hired and managed a 4-person cross-functional team of designers, developers, and business analysts.
- Founded a social network for live music earning revenue from advertising, ticketing, and referral programs.
- Saved a client $100ks/pa, and increased sales by 20% by designing an enterprise digital supply chain.
- Increased sales by 100% for clients with new online presence.
Motionbox
Senior User Interface Developer
March 2006 - April 2007
Motionbox created a novel UI for editing and sharing short clips of video. I prototyped and developed new interfaces in Flash and HTML.
Cambridge Technology Partners
UX Design Technologist
October 1999 - April 2000
Designed & built advanced interfaces and interactive installations.
Notable Clients
Ford, Walmart, GMAC
Xceed / Reset
UX Design Technologist
September 1998 - October 1999
Developed interactive applications and websites.
Notable Clients
CBS News, Warner Brothers Pictures, Interscope Records, HBO
Additional Experience
Odd Jobs
TACO CHEF
Launched a popup taco stand in Brooklyn called "Unicorn Tacos" serving classic Mexico City style tacos with modern-american fillings.
PADI DIVEMASTER
Led diving excursions in Grand Cayman
STAGE LIGHTING TECH
Lighting tech at legendary nightclub Filter 14 née Mother
Even Jobs
AUDIO ENGINEER
Shelter Island Sound, The Plant
HOUSE-PAINTER
Flying colors
RETAIL
Sold computers at a big box store in the late 1900s
Education
New York University
Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Class of 1999
Major in Music Business & Technology
Focus on post-modern composition & synthesis with Morton Subotnik, Dr. Kenneth Peacock, and Ken Walicki.