Chris Z. Yu
About Chris Z. Yu
Chris Z. Yu is a Staff Product Designer with extensive experience in product design and team leadership across various companies, including Arista Networks and Bank of America. He is dedicated to mentorship and fostering inclusive environments in the tech industry.
Work at Lexion
Chris Z. Yu currently serves as a Staff Product Designer at Lexion, a position he has held since 2023. His role involves contributing to product design initiatives and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience. He works remotely from Seattle, Washington, and brings extensive experience in product design to the organization.
Previous Experience in Product Design
Prior to his current role, Chris Z. Yu held several significant positions in product design. He worked as a Product Design Manager at Arista Networks from 2021 to 2023, and as Head of Product Design at Arista NDR during the same period. He also served as Lead Product Designer at Smartsheet from 2020 to 2021. His experience spans both startups and Fortune 500 companies, where he focused on scaling design teams and launching innovative products.
Education and Expertise
Chris Z. Yu holds a Master of Architecture (MArch) from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Architectural Studies from the University of Washington. He also studied Fine Arts at Columbia Basin College. His educational background supports his expertise in design, architecture, and user experience, contributing to his effectiveness in product design roles.
Mentorship and Community Involvement
Chris Z. Yu is actively involved in mentorship, particularly for underrepresented groups in the tech industry. He has served as a mentor at platforms like adplist.org and Designed.org. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors at LEAP (Leadership Education For Asian Pacifics), where he focuses on fostering collaborative cultures and supporting the career advancement of emerging designers.
Background in Design Leadership
Chris Z. Yu has a diverse background in design leadership, having held various roles that emphasize team management and product innovation. His experience includes positions such as UX Design Lead at Synect and VP; Lead UX Designer at Bank of America. He has also contributed to design leadership forums and employee resource groups, showcasing his commitment to advancing design practices and supporting diverse communities in the field.