Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Hobbies and Interests
Affiliations
Publications
Timeline
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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