FRANKIE JAMES
Sunnyvale,CA
Summary
Strategic leader in corporate innovation and R&D. Passionate about identifying new technologies that harness market opportunities and moving them into production to drive transformative growth. Recognized for building high-performing, cross-functional teams and executing strategic programs that align technological advancement with business objectives.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Automotive Advisor and Industry Consultant
Independent Consultant
Sunnyvale, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Automotive industry expertise to startups and suppliers trying to work with OEMs
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to clients at all times.
- Expertise on bridging the gap to foster collaboration between startups and corporates
- Innovation assistance and training, including Lean Startup methodologies and moving technologies from the idea phase to production
Director, External Innovation
General Motors
Mountain View, CA
02.2022 - 11.2024
- Led a team of innovators exploring new business ideas for GM. Scouted 50+ startups annually, applying Lean Startup methodologies to address GM customer problems.
- Developed a Startup Center of Excellence to coordinate work with startups across GM.
- Collaborated with GM Ventures to launch a shared database MVP and training materials.
- Proposed and secured funding for a seed stage accelerator. Worked with key stakeholders in Legal, Corporate Development, and Ventures to develop a roll-out plan and selected an external partner for the phase 1 launch.
Managing Director, ATSVO
General Motors
Sunnyvale, CA
07.2012 - 01.2022
- Led a team of analysts identifying 100+ startups per year for integration into GM products. Led strategic initiatives including head-mounted virtual reality for CAD/CAE, acquisition of Cruise Automation, and in-vehicle wireless device charging capability.
- Supported internal innovation by analyzing proposals against external technology trends. Taught Lean Startup methodology to develop and evaluate new ideas and initiatives.
- Led a 4-year partnership with 500 Startups (500S), selecting and mentoring applicants for GM-sponsored mobility track and facilitating follow-on research with startups.
Staff Researcher/Investment Analyst
General Motors
Palo Alto, CA
11.2007 - 06.2012
- Scouted new technologies in human-machine interfaces, software, and consumer devices. Developed prototypes to prove technology feasibility in an automotive context.
- Championed technologies to facilitate introduction into GM’s product line, including development of interior audio cues for Chevrolet Volt (MY 2011).
Research Program Manager, SAP Research
SAP
Palo Alto, CA
04.2001 - 10.2007
- Created and managed HCI research program with six researchers in the US and Germany covering accessibility, cross-cultural interface design, and multimodal interaction.
- Conducted research on a voice interface to SAP software for physically disabled users, voice interactions for vehicle drivers, and interaction design for exploratory search and sense-making. Developed designs and conducted user studies, managed developers to implement finalized designs, and facilitated transfer into production.
- Managed intern program, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, supervision, and off-boarding. Tracked hiring practices for 20 researchers and maintained the quality of the candidate and hired student pools.
Research Scientist
RIACS
Moffett Field, CA
07.1998 - 03.2001
- Interaction design research for advanced language interfaces and speech technology.
- Resolved interface issues in speech applications used in NASA projects, including one that was ultimately deployed on a NASA space shuttle mission.
- Implemented and tested statistical language models for use in speech understanding.
- Designed and wrote visual display and back-end simulation software for large-scale speech applications, as well as code to evaluate and modify dialogue strategies.
Education
Ph.D. - Computer Science
Stanford University
06.1998
BS - Computer Science
Northeastern University
06.1992
Skills
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Corporate & External Innovation
- Startup Accelerator Management
- Working with Startups
- Management
- Lean Startup
- Relationship building
- Analytical thinking
- Written communication
- Strategic planning
- Training and mentoring
Hobbies and Interests
Languages, including American Sign Language, French, German, and High Valyrian, Musical performance background; continued interest in classical instrumental and vocal music, Racing enthusiast: experience with sports cars and go karts, Enthusiastic amateur in boxing and golf
Affiliations
- ACM/ACM SIGCHI (1996 – Present)
- BayCHI (2000 – Present)
- RFB&D/Learning Ally (1996 – 2017)
- InnoLead (2013 – Present)
- Corporate Innovators Huddle (2018 – Present)
- NSF HS/MS Science Bowl (since 2011)
- NCCC/CLASS Corvettes Silicon Valley (since 2011)
Publications
Multiple publications and patents awarded. List available upon request.
Timeline
Automotive Advisor and Industry Consultant
Independent Consultant
01.2025 - Current
Director, External Innovation
General Motors
02.2022 - 11.2024
Managing Director, ATSVO
General Motors
07.2012 - 01.2022
Staff Researcher/Investment Analyst
General Motors
11.2007 - 06.2012
Research Program Manager, SAP Research
SAP
04.2001 - 10.2007
Research Scientist
RIACS
07.1998 - 03.2001
BS - Computer Science
Northeastern University
Ph.D. - Computer Science
Stanford University