Design is entering an exciting period of change. Technology is creating new opportunities, organizations are evolving, and we as designers are having more influence than ever in shaping what comes next.
In this episode, we are joined by Pip Tompkin and Sean Hughes to talk about the changing role of design leadership and the organizations they lead.
Pip Tompkin hails from Nottingham, England. Pip's illustrious career spans Europe, Asia, and the US, collaborating with industry leaders including Microsoft, Dell, HP, Vizio, Polycom, Twitter, and Nokia. In 2008 he founded Pip Tompkin Design Studio in Los Angeles, renowned for groundbreaking products and brands. Pip's commitment to sustainable design is exemplified by partnerships like Lettuce Grow, which are revolutionizing food production. After graduating with top honors in Industrial Design from Northumbria University, he earned a Master's from The Royal College of Art. In 2018, both his studio and startup, Mr Pip, were acquired by ThreeSixty Group, propelling Pip's vision for a transformative future, where he held the position of Chief Design Officer from 2018 to 2024.
Sean Hughes With over 25 years of experience across three continents, Sean has led multidisciplinary, award-winning teams that have delivered significant business results whileemphasizing design as a key component of sustainable competitive advantage. During his time at Philips, he held numerous roles including Chief Design Officer for Philips Healthcare, Head of Design for Philips Design Consulting practice. Recently joining CGI, a global IT and Management Consulting practice, he serves as Vice President of Design for CGI Federal.
He focused on creating a wide array of solutions for healthcare providers, combining products, software, and digital services with architectural concepts to transform healthcare delivery. His work aims to provide intuitive digital services that meet the needs of citizens and employees, enhancing user-friendly and efficient government solutions. Sean holds a Master's degree in Industrial Design from the Royal College of Art and a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design/Engineering from the University of Teesside in the United Kingdom