Zachary Lownds
Sr Manager - Gen Ai Design & Innovation @Newell Brands
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WORK HISTORY
Sr Manager - Gen Ai Design & Innovation @Newell Brands
Kalamazoo, MI, US
Built and scaled a cross-functional AI enablement program supporting over 200 designers (industrial + graphic) through monthly classes, advanced tool training, and design challengesCreated and launched a rotational program embedding industrial designers with our AI innovation team to develop tool fluency across product categoriesDesigned and facilitated multi-day innovation workshops for cross-functional teams (Marketing, R&D, Design, and Consumer Insights), using a custom process to rapidly align business goals with breakthrough conceptsEvaluate and pilot emerging AI tools (ChatGPT, Midjourney, Vizcom, Firefly, Adobe, etc.), leading proof-of-concept tests, legal/IT qualification, and enterprise rolloutServe as a thought partner and strategic advisor for how AI can enhance creativity, collaboration, and speed-to-market across the organization
EDUCATION
Kendall College of Art and Design
Industrial Design, Industrial Design
SKILLS
ABOUT ZACHARY LOWNDS
I lead at the intersection of design, innovation, and AI - helping organizations build better products and smarter processes in an increasingly complex landscape.Over 17 years, I’ve evolved from industrial designer to innovation leader, always focused on the same core challenge: how do we create products and systems that actually work for people? That question has taken me from sketching consumer products to building innovation pipelines, and most recently, to pioneering how AI integrates into real-world product development.What I Do:I specialize in the strategic and human side of transformation - whether that’s designing physical products, reimagining innovation processes, or helping teams adopt emerging technologies. I build the frameworks, workflows, and adoption systems that turn potential into results.My recent work includes co-creating an award-winning GenAI innovation process at Newell Brands (Trendhunter Innovation Strategy Award, 2025) that fundamentally changed how our teams approach product development. When Fortune 500 companies review our work, the consistent feedback is: “You’re light years ahead of where the industry is.”But AI is one tool in a broader toolkit. My real expertise is in understanding where design thinking, innovation strategy, and emerging technology converge - and building systems that help teams navigate that complexity.Core Capabilities:• Product strategy and development (physical + digital)• Innovation pipeline design and optimization• AI integration and organizational adoption• Cross-functional team leadership and enablement• Design thinking and human-centered problem solvingThe Impact:I’ve helped teams reduce iteration cycles, increase innovation output, and successfully adopt new tools and processes - from AI platforms to entirely new ways of working. I’ve presented this work to companies including Whirlpool, Fortune Brands, Kohler, and Haworth, consistently demonstrating how design discipline, strategic thinking, and technology adoption work together to drive real business results.What’s Next:I’m exploring leadership opportunities where I can bring this integrated approach - whether that’s leading innovation programs, driving product strategy, building AI enablement systems, or helping organizations navigate transformation. Open to remote roles and opportunities in the Grand Rapids/West Michigan area.If you’re working at the intersection of design, innovation, and emerging technology, let’s talk.
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