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Chris Allen
Head of Design at SAP New Ventures & Technologies
Professional Background
Chris Allen is an innovative and highly skilled design professional with a rich history in product design and management across various leading technology companies. Currently serving as the Head of Design for NVT at SAP, Chris leverages his extensive experience to inspire teams and create transformative design solutions. His journey through the world of design and product development highlights a strong commitment to excellence and creativity, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can flourish.
Chris began his professional career at Motorola Mobile Devices as a Product Manager, where he honed his ability to lead design initiatives and coordinate project developments. This position laid the foundation for his subsequent roles at Peapod, where Chris advanced through various positions, including Associate Product Manager and Lead Designer, showcasing his ability to balance technical expertise with creative flair.
After his tenure at Peapod, Chris transitioned to Flipboard Inc., where his impact was rapidly felt. Initially taking on the role of Designer in Residence, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a Lead Product Designer, playing a pivotal role in shaping the user experience for one of the most prominent content aggregation platforms in the industry. During his time at Flipboard, he underscored the importance of accessibility and user-centered design principles, ensuring that the platform remained intuitive for all users.
After an impactful stint at Flipboard, Chris took on the role of Head of Design at SAP.iO, where he led design efforts to develop innovative products for startups and accelerate their development. His contributions at SAP.iO proved invaluable as he combined his product management and design skills to fuel the growth of startup solutions through elegant design strategies.
Education and Achievements
Chris Allen is a well-rounded professional with an impressive education background. He studied Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences and Studio Art at Dartmouth College, where he combined his technical knowledge in engineering with his creativity in the arts. This robust educational background has allowed Chris to approach problems with both analytical and artistic perspectives, making him a versatile designer.
In addition, he also enhanced his business acumen by attending the Tuck School of Business Bridge Program. This experience provided him with fundamental insights into business principles, enriching his understanding of the alignment between design and business objectives. With this combination of technical, creative, and business expertise, Chris stands out as a leader capable of bridging the gap between technology and user-centered design.
Notable Achievements
Chris Allen's career is marked by many noteworthy achievements that reflect his commitment to design excellence and innovation. His work at SAP, particularly as Head of Design, showcases his ability to lead comprehensive design strategies and to nurture talent within his team. He has been instrumental in shaping the design culture in organizations he has worked with, ensuring that design is valued as a critical component in product development.
Moreover, as Co-Founder and Product Lead at PetDuel, Chris exemplified entrepreneurship by developing a unique product that resonated with pet lovers. His innovative spirit also shone through during his time at nuevoStage, where as Co-Founder and CTO, he contributed to the development of a platform aimed at enhancing artistic exchanges.
Chris's dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in design continues to propel him forward in his career, making him a sought-after expert in the fields of product design and user experience.
