Arlin Tao
About Arlin Tao
Arlin Tao is the Managing Director at IDEO in Shanghai, China, with extensive experience in brand management and operations across various sectors. He has held leadership roles at d.light design, General Mills, and World Kitchen, and has studied at prestigious institutions including the University of Pennsylvania and Le Cordon Bleu Paris.
Current Role at IDEO
Arlin Tao serves as the Managing Director at IDEO, a position he has held since 2021. He is based in Shanghai, China. In this role, he focuses on leading design and innovation initiatives, leveraging his extensive experience in brand management and business operations. His leadership at IDEO emphasizes the importance of integrating diverse perspectives to create impactful solutions.
Previous Experience at IDEO
Prior to his current role, Arlin Tao held several positions at IDEO. He was the Business Operations Director from 2016 to 2019 and the Senior Director of Business Operations and New Ventures from 2019 to 2021, both in Shanghai. Additionally, he served as the Business Design Lead from 2014 to 2016. His tenure at IDEO has involved managing various initiatives that align with the company's mission of design-driven innovation.
Career Background
Arlin Tao has a diverse career spanning multiple industries and roles. He worked at d.light design as the Brand Building Manager for West Africa from 2011 to 2013 and later as the Director of Product Marketing from 2013 to 2014 in Shenzhen, China. His earlier roles include positions at General Mills, World Kitchen, LLC, Newell Rubbermaid, and Procter & Gamble. This breadth of experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of brand management and marketing strategies.
Education and Qualifications
Arlin Tao holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, which he completed from 2007 to 2009. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University from 1999 to 2003. Additionally, he studied at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, where he obtained the Le Certificat de Pâtisserie de Base in 2009. His educational background supports his expertise in business and marketing.
Global Experience and Passion
Arlin Tao has lived and worked in North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, and has traveled to 37 countries. He is passionate about fostering collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop solutions that are informed by both global perspectives and local relevance. His commitment to this approach is evident in his professional endeavors across various sectors, including private, non-profit, and social enterprises.