Alex Gallafent
About Alex Gallafent
Alex Gallafent serves as the Executive Director at IDEO, where he has worked since 2024. He has a diverse background in journalism, design, and education, with previous roles at the BBC and various positions at IDEO.
Work at IDEO
Alex Gallafent currently serves as the Executive Director at IDEO, a position he has held since 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. His role involves supporting teams working on IDEO's principal global client relationships and deploying creativity to achieve strategic goals. Prior to his current position, he held various roles at IDEO, including Senior Director of Narrative & Strategy from 2021 to 2024, Design Director from 2017 to 2021, and Senior Design Lead in 2017. He also worked as a Design Lead and Senior Design Researcher at IDEO, contributing to multiple projects focused on design thinking and narrative.
Education and Expertise
Alex Gallafent studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, where he earned a Master's degree in Classical Theater. He also attended the University of Oxford, achieving an MA (Hons. Oxon) in Analytical Philosophy. His educational background supports his expertise in narrative, design thinking, and journalism, which he applies in his teaching role at IDEO U, where he emphasizes impactful presentations.
Background in Journalism
Before joining IDEO, Alex Gallafent had a significant career in journalism, primarily with the BBC. He worked as a Correspondent from 2010 to 2018, reporting on various global issues, including social justice, conflict, culture, public health, and the climate crisis. His experience also includes roles as a Producer/Reporter and Multi-platform Producer at the BBC from 2002 to 2010. He has contributed to US public radio and the BBC World Service, enhancing his reporting skills across diverse platforms.
Teaching and Thought Leadership
In addition to his role at IDEO, Alex Gallafent has served as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Public Service at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School from 2016 to 2017. He teaches courses that intersect narrative, design thinking, and journalism, reflecting his commitment to education and thought leadership in these fields. He has co-authored articles, including 'The Power of Rigorous Futures' on IDEO's blog, contributing to discussions on design and strategy.
Experience in Design and Content Creation
Alex Gallafent has a diverse background in design and content creation, having worked with various organizations. He served as a Content and Experience Designer at ESI Design and Local Projects, where he focused on creating engaging content. His experience also includes a role as a Contributing Writer for TED Conferences from 2013 to 2015. This blend of design and storytelling enhances his contributions to IDEO's global brand and marketing efforts, particularly in storytelling for the Climate Era.