I turn bold visions into brilliant products, navigating the cultural shifts required to enable deep transformation.

I blend the holistic view of Service Design with the user-centred focus of UX and the business-aware detail of Product Design. My experience at both agencies and the BBC has taught me that true leadership isn't about blindly following a process, but about adapting to the context, creating a safe space for difficult questions, and focusing relentlessly on practical problem-solving.

Projects

Project image

Driving a Metadata Revolution at the BBC

I led the design and cultural change for a new metadata ecosystem, transforming it from a technical afterthought into a strategic business asset.

Service Design Change Management Enterprise UX Stakeholder Alignment
Project image

Pioneering the Future of Personalised Media

I owned the design vision for personalising media, translating years of R&D into a tangible UX framework that secured business-wide investment.

Strategic Vision Innovation R&D Leadership AI/Personalisation
Project image

Building a Design System from the Ground Up

I initiated and led the creation of the BBC's first internal design system, driving consistency and efficiency for over 20 product teams.

Design Systems Technical Acumen Community Building UI Architecture

And also

  • VOD Experiences for Global Brands: Designed video-on-demand services for clients like Sky, Canal+, and Fox across TV, web, and mobile.
  • AI Tools for Content Creators: Designed AI-powered tools to assist journalists and content makers with their production workflows.
  • End-to-End Journalist Workflows: Led the redesign of the BBC's core article, video, and image management systems, now used by 5,000+ journalists.
  • Founding a Service Design Discipline: Introduced and established the service design discipline at the BBC, creating and delivering training to over 100 colleagues.

My Leadership Philosophy

“The most powerful tool in design is not Figma, Miro, or a new AI model. It's a simple cup of tea.” 🍵

The most critical inflection points on a project—the moments that unlock innovation or untangle a political knot—rarely happen in a formal meeting. They happen in the informal spaces between people. My job as a leader is to engineer those moments of trust and connection.

Whether navigating a complex data model with engineers or aligning senior management on a bold vision, my approach is rooted in building relationships to solve problems. It's about creating an environment of psychological safety where creativity can flourish, difficult questions can be asked, and the best ideas can win.

  • I Champion Bold Ideas
    I push my teams to move beyond the safest options and explore ambitious, transformative solutions. True innovation lives outside the comfort zone.
  • I Embrace Playful Innovation
    I foster a creative and playful environment. When people feel safe to experiment and even fail, they produce their most ground-breaking work.
  • I Lead from the Trenches
    I am a hands-on leader who loves diving into detailed flows and UIs. I guide my team not just with direction, but with informed, practical expertise.
  • I Connect the Dots Holistically
    I am a systems thinker who always considers the broader context. Lasting solutions must address the interconnected technical, political, and cultural fabric of an organization.

My professional journey

CoSTAR

Mentor

I advise start-ups as a design & media industry expert (fractional).

BBC R&D

Principal designer

I turned ambitious ideas into something tangible for the business.

BBC

Creative Director

I delivered big transformation projects by aligning a complex network of stakeholders.

AllofUs

Lead designer

I learnt the craft of design working for a variety of clients in a fast paced environment.

HSBC

Product manager

I delivered software in an enterprise context full of legacy systems.

What's next

I'm looking for a leadership role where I can apply my blend of Product, UX, and Service Design thinking to a significant challenge. My ideal opportunity involves untangling a complex system, launching an innovative product powered by new technology, or shaping a design culture that is creative, collaborative, and impactful. I thrive in environments—from startups to large enterprises—that value both strategic vision and hands-on, people-focused leadership.

I'm based in London and open to permanent, contract, or advisory roles.
I am a French national with Settled Status to work in the UK.

Let's Connect

blaise.galinier@gmail.com  |  LinkedIn

PS: It's pronounced "blez" and my pronouns are he/him.