Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Citizenship
Languages
Software
Projects
Timeline
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CHRISTINE EBNER

Los Angeles,USA

Summary

As a skilled and versatile professional, I possess an MBA with a specialization in marketing and finance, as well as a bachelor's degree in design. My expertise lies in pioneering research and developing strategies in the areas of future mobility product planning, services, design, and sustainability. I am driven by intellectual curiosity and have a strong commitment to driving innovation and enhancing the customer experience for GM brands, with a focus on contributing to GM's long-term success. Additionally, I take ownership of my responsibilities and approach them with a sense of urgency. In my role, I also lead and expand Outreach and Development initiatives to foster creative talent on the West Coast.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Sen. Lead Outreach and Development

General Motors
Pasadena, CA
03.2022 - Current

• Establishing and Leading the West Coast GM Design Outreach and Development Division
• Empowering and Collaborating with Educational Institutions and Communities to spearhead Western U.S
• Managing the Outreach budget and resources to deliver meaningful and high-quality community engagements that aligned with organizational goals

Sen Lead Design Research, Strategy, Innovation

General Motors
Pasadena, CA
01.2015 - Current

• Leading and overseeing design research and strategy initiatives, driving innovation and shaping the direction of portfolio planning, as well as services and experiences
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams such as competitive intelligence and global planning to align with overall business objectives
• Analyzing market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and gaps
• Staying up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies to inform design decisions and identify new opportunities
• Presenting research findings and strategy recommendations to stakeholders and senior leadership
• Continuously evaluating and improving design research and strategy processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness

Sen Lead CMF Designer

General Motors
Pasadena, CA
12.2003 - 12.2020

• Spearheaded dynamic GM brand-specific CMF aesthetic concepts for advanced mobility products using state-of-the-art design techniques
• Monitored market, technology, and material trends for innovation opportunities
• Excelled in project management, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints
• Facilitated collaboration with multiple stakeholders and external resources
• Managed multiple design projects simultaneously
• Developed innovative design concepts for improved brand recognition

Freelance CMF Designer

General Motors
Pasadena, CA
07.2000 - 11.2003

• Innovated and executed captivating GM brand-specific CMF aesthetic concepts using cutting-edge design techniques and software tools
• Collaborated closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to achieve design goals within project timelines and budget constrains
• Stayed updated on industry trends for forward-thinking approaches

Freelance 3D Designer

BMW Group - Technical Center
Munich
10.1997 - 12.2000

• Developed and executed BMW and Rolls Royce specific concepts using cutting-edge design techniques and software tools

Freelance 3D Designer

Volkswagen
Simi Valley, CA
01.2000 - 06.2000

• Developed and executed VW and Audi brand-specific concepts using cutting-edge design techniques and software tools

Education

MBA - Master of Business Administration

California State University
Northridge, CA

Bachelor of Arts - Product Design

Pforzheim Design Institute
Pforzheim, Germany

Skills

Portfolio Planning and Brand Strategies

Market Research and Consumer Research

Strategic Foresight and Trend Forecasting

Develop strategies based on in-depth research and insight

Conduct executive-level reviews for various stakeholders

Lead cross-functional insight studies

Drive innovative feature rollout and services development

Accomplishments

In my roles at GM Advanced Design, I have focused on bringing innovative products, services, and experiences to customers. One of my significant accomplishments was developing advanced design process that is currently being used as a blueprint throughout the advanced design studios at GM. In addition, I have worked on numerous GM products, developing innovative products, services and experiences concepts for GM products, including the Cadillac Halo portfolio, which featured the Inner Space, Social Space, and Personal Space models. Additionally, I led the circular economy integration for the Hummer EV and conducted a mobile lifestyle trend study that resulted in various product and feature developments, such as Cadillac Open Space. Currently, I hold a hybrid position that involves Design Research and Strategy, as well as establishing Outreach and Development on the West Coast.

Affiliations

  • GM ERG European Connections Chapter/Committee Lead
  • GM ERG Women
  • California State University - Northridge alumni

Citizenship

Dual Citizenship  (American and German)

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
German
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Software

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Suite

Autodesk Alias Wavefront and VRED

Projects

  • Cadillac Halo Portfolio - Multi Modal Mobility Design Strategy and Vision for Cadillac
  • Strategic Portfolio Planning and developing GM Sustainability Vision for Hummer/GMC Brand
  • Developing recreational Mobile Lifestyle Portfolio Of Products, Experiences and Services
  • Defining AI based XD with R&D team Israel; filing patent #GM6307
  • Cadillac Elmiraj concept vehicle
  • Cadillac Ciel Concept vehicle
  • Chevrolet PEV, AAA, and AA vision models

Timeline

Sen. Lead Outreach and Development

General Motors
03.2022 - Current

Sen Lead Design Research, Strategy, Innovation

General Motors
01.2015 - Current

Sen Lead CMF Designer

General Motors
12.2003 - 12.2020

Freelance CMF Designer

General Motors
07.2000 - 11.2003

Freelance 3D Designer

Volkswagen
01.2000 - 06.2000

Freelance 3D Designer

BMW Group - Technical Center
10.1997 - 12.2000

MBA - Master of Business Administration

California State University

Bachelor of Arts - Product Design

Pforzheim Design Institute
CHRISTINE EBNER