IDEO Executive and Leadership Team

Brian Barrett, the Chief Executive Officer at IDEO, directs the company's overarching strategy and operational execution. Barrett guides the firm's approach to design consulting, ensuring alignment with client needs across public and private sectors. This leadership involves fostering innovation in areas such as brand development, business design, and digital experiences. Barrett's focus extends to driving growth and market penetration through the application of design thinking principles. Overseeing key departmental functions, Brian Barrett ensures the delivery of impactful solutions that address complex challenges in environments design, financial services, and health and wellness. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in maintaining IDEO's position as a global leader in design and innovation strategy.

Michael Peng, the Global Chief Executive Officer at IDEO, spearheads the company's worldwide strategic direction and global operational framework. Peng directs IDEO's extensive service offerings, which span brand, business design, communication design, and consumer experience design across diverse industries. This leadership role involves expanding the company's reach into emerging markets and driving innovation in sectors like energy, entertainment, and media. Michael Peng's mandate includes overseeing the integration of design research and design thinking into client solutions, particularly in areas such as education and sustainability. The Global Chief Executive Officer ensures that IDEO's global teams collaborate effectively to deliver transformative solutions in interaction design, service design, and technology strategy. Peng's influence is key to maintaining IDEO's reputation for pioneering design solutions.

Yossi Assa, the Chief Executive Officer, Custom Cloud Application Cluster Companies at IDEO, drives the strategic vision and operational leadership for specialized cloud application ventures. Assa directs the development and deployment of custom cloud solutions, focusing on innovation in technology strategy and digital experiences. This role involves overseeing the integration of design thinking and user-centered design principles into application development cycles. The Chief Executive Officer, Custom Cloud Application Cluster Companies ensures these ventures align with market demands in areas such as financial services and emerging markets. Yossi Assa's leadership is instrumental in fostering growth and scalability for these distinct business units. Assa's expertise guides the creation of robust, user-friendly cloud applications that address complex business challenges.

Reza Zare, the Chief Financial Officer at IDEO, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Zare oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation across IDEO's global consulting services. This role is crucial for supporting innovation in areas such as business design, digital experiences, and sustainability initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer ensures robust financial controls are in place to support the company's expansion into new markets and industries, including financial services and health and wellness. Reza Zare's responsibilities include optimizing financial performance to enable continued investment in design research and human factors. Zare's strategic financial guidance underpins IDEO's ability to deliver complex projects in environments design and mobility.

Jose Calderon, the President at IDEO, holds a pivotal position in guiding the company's strategic growth and operational excellence. Calderon oversees key initiatives that advance IDEO's mission in design consulting, impacting areas from brand development to digital experiences. This leadership involves fostering strong relationships with clients across public and private sectors, ensuring the effective application of design research and design thinking. The President plays a crucial role in driving innovation across diverse industries, including health and wellness, energy, and mobility. Jose Calderon's responsibilities extend to championing IDEO's commitment to social innovation and sustainability. Calderon's strategic oversight ensures the company's continued impact in shaping environments design and organizational design.

Rachel Saidman, the Chief of Staff & Operations Lead (North America) at IDEO, directs operational efficiency and strategic initiatives within the North American region. Saidman ensures seamless execution of projects related to brand, business design, and communication design across the continent. This leadership involves optimizing resource deployment and fostering cross-functional collaboration among design teams. The Chief of Staff & Operations Lead (North America) plays a vital role in implementing IDEO's design thinking methodology in client engagements, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality and food and beverage. Rachel Saidman's focus includes enhancing operational workflows to support innovation in digital experiences and service design. Saidman's oversight is critical for driving successful project outcomes and client satisfaction throughout North America.