Joe Ranft

About

Experienced UX and product leader passionate about creating innovative and engaging digital products and services that solve real-world problems and improve people's lives. Proven track record of leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams, conducting user research, and applying design thinking principles to deliver user-centric solutions. Well versed in UX and product management processes used to deliver value to customers by Agile teams. Extensive experience in consulting, product design, and digital transformation across various industries including finance and healthcare.

Experience

• Independent UX and Product Strategy Consulting · Various ClientsNovember 2008 – Present

  Provided independent UX consulting specializing in startup companies in new product design and development, beta product UX testing, and UX optimization.

• Fractional Product UX & Design Leader · StarterHQAugust 2024 – November 2024

  Led product design and development for StarterHQ's flagship grade care accessible to everyone, allowing users to earn up to 20% cash back from home.

• VP Product and Design · Allurion TechnologiesMarch 2020 – March 2024

  Managed the process and design team responsible for Allurion's digital products and services focused on weight loss and behavior change.

• Head of UX · Nuveen InvestmentsOctober 2016 – November 2019

  Led digital transformation for Nuveen, a new company under TIAA. Designed and directed creation of a new intranet for the 3,300-person organization.

• Instructor · Startup InstituteJanuary 2015 – October 2017

  Instructor for the Startup Institute's web design track, focusing on information architecture, UX research and design, and the Design Thinking process.

• Co-Founder and Head of UX · Cinch FinancialJune 2013 – September 2016

  Co-founded Cinch with the goal of simplifying finance with a capital-efficient model for a mass market.

• VP Product & Design · UpDownAugust 2004 – April 2009

  Created and maintained long-term product roadmap and two-week Agile development plan for UpDown.com.

• VP, User Experience & Design · Fidelity InvestmentsNovember 1999 – March 2008

  Managed the 30+ person design team responsible for digital design for Fidelity.com, including trading, investment research, account opening, and customer service.

Education

• University of IowaMA, English & English Education
• University of MemphisBA, English

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