Gabe Fender
About Gabe Fender
Gabe Fender serves as the Newcastle Office and Centre of Excellence Lead at Thoughtworks, where he focuses on delivering services that enhance citizens' lives. With a background in product and design consulting, he has held various roles at Thoughtworks and Goldman Sachs, advocating for inclusive digital solutions and promoting workplace wellbeing.
Work at ThoughtWorks
Gabe Fender has been with ThoughtWorks since 2016, holding various roles that demonstrate his expertise in product and design. Currently, he serves as the Newcastle Office and Centre of Excellence Lead, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he leads the Public Sector Centre of Excellence, focusing on delivering value-for-money services to enhance citizens' lives. Prior to his current position, he worked as a Principal Product & Design Consultant from 2020 to 2023, and as a Lead Product & Design Consultant from 2017 to 2020. He also served as a Senior Experience Design Consultant for a year in 2016.
Experience at Goldman Sachs
Gabe Fender worked at Goldman Sachs from 2006 to 2015, where he held multiple positions that contributed to his professional growth. He started as a Java/C# Developer, then progressed to roles such as UX and Development Lead for CRM Services and UX/Product Lead for CRM Services. His experience at Goldman Sachs spanned nearly a decade, allowing him to develop a strong foundation in user experience and product development.
Education and Expertise
Gabe Fender earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied from 2002 to 2006. His educational background has equipped him with the technical skills necessary for his roles in product design and development. He advocates for inclusive digital product creation, ensuring accessibility for all users, and promotes mental and physical health as a Wellbeing Champion within his workplace.
Community Engagement and Initiatives
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Gabe Fender actively engages with the community. He hosts Service Jams, collaborative events focused on service design and innovation. He also fosters a sense of belonging among Thoughtworkers in the North East of England, emphasizing the importance of community building within the organization.
Volunteer Experience
Gabe Fender has contributed to the community through volunteer work, notably as a Digital Inclusion Volunteer at Age UK Sutton in 2016. This role involved supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing digital access for older adults, reflecting his commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in technology.