Chris Thorpe

Background

About Chris Thorpe

Highly experienced design-innovator with over 20 years experience across corporate, Government, NGO, and start-up sectors. As leader of the design innovation unit at Europe’s largest R&D facility QinetiQ, I delivered cutting edge R&D projects with values in excess of £2m – for leading global brands. I have created award winning IP and products for brands like Diageo, GSK, Nokia and Speedo and led multi-disciplinary teams on complex technology, time critical projects – from semantic web to sustainable packaging; delivering on all points of the cycle from research & insight to idea generation and production.Currently I am head of programme at the Royal College of Art's Intelligent Mobility MA; working with many talented and creative individuals - students and teaching colleagues. This keeps me intellectually curious and passionate about changing the way we do things, what we make, buy, use and how this can make us healthier and more prosperous in the process.My key strengths and experience are as follows- Visionary researcher, insight and foresight - able to intuitively see the big picture and identifyopportunities and gaps. Conversant with road mapping, ethnography, participatory workshops, qualitative analysis etc- Creative original thinker – strong idea generation, idea development. Patented inventor and award winning innovator- Team leader with over 15 years experience on projects e.g. FMCG, Gov’t health, sports, food and packaging- Focussed on delivery and impact. I really take ownership of projects and feel this goes a long way to ensuring success. I am dedicated and always try to find ways to make it happen.