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Jim Banister
Chief Product Officer at Raisin
Professional Background
Jim Banister is a dynamic and innovative Chief Product Officer (CPO) at Raisin, where he plays a pivotal role in developing and enhancing financial products that aim to revolutionize retail banking. His mission is to create solutions that provide significant advantages for both consumers and financial institutions, thereby fostering a healthier banking ecosystem.
Before joining Raisin, Jim honed his expertise as CPO at Prezi, a platform noted for its engaging and interactive presentations. In this capacity, he led an impressive team of over 150 professionals across engineering, product management, UX design, research, and product marketing. He successfully spearheaded a product re-platforming initiative at Prezi, as well as a broader cultural transformation within the organization, transitioning it from a startup mentality to a growth-focused mindset.
Jim's career is marked by his tenure as Product Director at Clubcard, the loyalty program for Tesco that boasts a staggering 45 million members. Here, he was instrumental in establishing a robust product team and collaborated with key stakeholders to strategize on the direction of the Clubcard program. Under his leadership, the product development approach shifted to be outcome-based and data-driven, embedding relevant KPIs that significantly enhanced the program’s effectiveness.
Further enriching his extensive portfolio, Jim spent five years serving as a major force behind Warner Bros.' digital media strategy. As the Executive Vice President of Development for Warner Bros. Online, he contributed to the evolution of the company’s online presence and product offerings, marking a significant period of innovation for the entertainment giant.
Among his other notable roles, Jim managed the Engineering Visualization Center at TRW and produced award-winning television and film content for Disney. He was a key player in designing the multimedia and post-production system for Steven Spielberg's impactful project, the “Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Project.” His creative leadership also extended to SaySo, where he was the product chief for a gamified consumer market research platform, and he served as head of product for SpectrumDNA, a web agency best known for its development of award-winning applications.
Education and Achievements
Jim’s education reflects a diverse and rigorous academic background. He studied Sustainability Studies at the prestigious University of Cambridge, aligning with his commitment to responsible and innovative product development. He holds multiple Master's degrees from the University of Southern California, where he deepened his understanding of scientific principles and methodologies. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from San Diego State University, providing him with a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Jim has a passion for teaching that spans several prestigious institutions. He has delivered courses on narrative structures, social media strategies, gamification, and advanced enterprise operations at renowned schools, including The Wharton Graduate School of Business, UCLA Anderson, and the University of Utah. His insights are also sought by commercial entities, having worked with organizations like American Express, BBC Worldwide, and Allen & Company, where he offered workshops that enhanced their operational frameworks and innovative capacities.
Notable Publications
Jim is a respected author of impactful works focusing on networked media and modern language evolution. His book, “Word of Mouse: The New Age of Networked Media,” published by Agate Fine Print in 2004, explores the transformative impact of the internet on communication and information distribution. Another notable contribution to literature is “Addictionary: Brave New Words,” published by Abrams Image in 2008, which addresses the dynamic nature of language in contemporary society, particularly in the context of digital communication.
Achievements
- Chief Product Officer at Raisin
- Former CPO at Prezi, leading a significant cultural transformation.
- Product Director for Clubcard at Tesco, with over 45 million members.
- EVP of Development for Warner Bros. Online, contributing to their innovative digital strategy.
- Developed award-winning television and film content at Disney.
- Created the multimedia system for Spielberg's “Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Project.”
- Established educational courses in narrative and social media at notable universities.
- Published author with significant contributions to the understanding of networked media.
