Aneta Hall

About Aneta Hall

I build the behind-the-scenes systems that make great research, design, and innovation programs run smoothly. Specializing in research operations and business program management, I develop scalable, compliant, and efficient processes that support strategic initiatives within regulated and matrixed organizations. From managing complex research workflows and vendor partnerships to collaborating with Legal and Risk teams, I ensure all the moving parts of research and innovation align seamlessly. I\'ve led the design and rollout of operational frameworks, overseen tool ecosystems (from UserTesting to Figma), and built teams and practices from the ground up. I thrive on connecting the dots between people, processes, and platforms—turning ambiguity into clarity. Whether scaling a team, streamlining a workflow, or navigating compliance challenges, I bring structure, empathy, and a strong bias for action.

Experience

1. Research Operations Manager

   Wells Fargo

   Mar 2021 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   I lead the Program Management and Operations practice that focuses on orchestration and optimization of people, processes and tools to maximize the value and impact of the Innovation Design group, an in-house design agency at Wells Fargo.I am responsible for:* Managing a portfolio of end-to-end concept and product designs across multiple design studios incl. Research, Strategic Design, UX/UI Design, Content Strategy/Storytelling and Innovation Consulting. Responsible for the full project lifecycle incl. project scoping and planning, resource allocation management and project tracking/reporting.* Leading a group of design producers/project managers who work closely with project teams to manage day- to-day project activities focusing on project management hygiene, effective stakeholder relations (incl. product management and engineering) and knowledge base/asset management. All to minimize operational overhead so designers can focus on their craft.* Defining and operationalizing design standards and common processes for the design group. Integrating these processes with the greater product management and engineering processes.* Collaborating with group leadership to set team goals through quarterly OKR planning, scoring and reporting.* Overseeing People Operations including hiring & onboarding new design talent to align headcount to team’s roadmap. Identifying clear design career ladders & a curriculum of ongoing team education & development.* Standardizing and supporting acquisitions and utilization of toolsets, platforms and systems for research, design, asset management, collaboration and project management.* Collaborating with business partners incl. Legal/Risk/Compliance, vendor management, finance and HR to ensure alignment and to advocate for specific needs of the design team.

Education

• University of New Haven

  M.S.

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  Post-Graduate Certificate

• University of New Hampshire

  B.A.