Stephen Bennett
Director Experience Design @CIBC
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WORK HISTORY
Director Experience Design @CIBC
As Director of Experience Design for Secured Banking at CIBC, I lead the design and execution of customer-first digital experiences across Canada and the U.S, ensuring solutions are secure, seamless, and accessible.I lead and inspire a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering innovation and scalability to enhance customer engagement. I introduced the True North Design System to standardize UX/UI across multiple platforms and maintain WCAG compliance. Additionally, I spearheaded a strategic integration of generative AI and machine learning into our experience design, closely collaborating with AI, data science, and engineering teams to conceptualize and prototype innovative solutions.To streamline workflows and improve governance, I established a dedicated Design Operations function, clearly defining how teams collaborate, execute, and measure impact. I also founded the Experience Design Council, connecting design leaders across the bank to align efforts through shared principles, processes, and governance models.To elevate usability and trust, I created the \"21 CIBC UX Laws,\" a framework guiding effective and measurable design decisions across all digital properties. Furthermore, I oversaw comprehensive redesigns of native applications and desktop platforms, significantly improving user experience, accessibility, and customer trust.I spearheaded strategic integration of generative AI and machine learning in both internal and external experience design, collaborating closely with AI, data science, and engineering teams to conceptualize, prototype, and deploy advanced digital experiences.
EDUCATION
Langara College
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
Acadia University
Bachelor's degree, Economics
ABOUT STEPHEN BENNETT
In my world, great design does more than look good—it sparks conversation, brings people together, and moves brands forward. I’ve spent my career blending creative direction, brand strategy, and user experience to develop solutions that feel intuitive, build loyalty, and deliver tangible impact. Over the years, I’ve helped launch lululemon on the global stage, shaped award-winning digital experiences for Nike, led TELUS’s pivot toward a digital-first future, and driven UX strategy at CIBC. At each step—whether I’m refining a design system, refreshing a brand identity, or mentoring a team—my focus remains on human-centered, data-informed thinking that creates real results. During my time at CIBC, I introduced the True North Design System to unify UX and UI across North America while championing accessibility at scale. I also founded the Experience Design Council to bring design leaders together under a shared vision, and created the 21 CIBC UX Laws as a guiding framework for better design decisions. These initiatives reinforced my belief that intentional design not only meets business goals, but also enriches people’s everyday experiences. My passion lies at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and design, where I can guide teams to push boundaries and craft solutions that people genuinely love using. Whether it’s creating a global brand footprint, building an enterprise design system, or leading a company-wide transformation, I’m committed to ensuring every experience is meaningful, cohesive, and sparks delight. Let’s build something great.
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