Marcel Beer

Accomplished Design Leader with 10+ years of experience scaling UX Centers of Excellence (CoE) and driving user-centric innovation. Over 3 years of leadership experience managing cross-functional design teams and embedding human-centered design, accessibility, UX research, and agile methodologies (SAFe, DesignOps, ResearchOps). Skilled in aligning CX/UX strategies with business objectives and optimizing digital experiences. Excels in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, driving UX-led decisions, and influencing stakeholders to prioritize user experience as a business driver.

My work experience highlights a strong background in CX, UX design, leadership, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Current Role:

Lead UX Design Strategist (09/2023 - Present) | LGT Financial Services AG

• Leading the UX Center of Excellence (CoE) to align UX strategies with business priorities.
• Driving CX & UX maturity and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Managing a team of 20 UX professionals across Europe and APAC.
• Enhancing UX research, behavioral analytics, and human-centered design practices.

Previous Roles:

Lead Product Designer (09/2022 - 08/2023) | LGT Financial Services AG

• Defined the company’s UX strategy and established design governance.
• Created a tailored onboarding solution for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI).
• Led design system governance for consistency across global markets.

Senior Design Educator & Curriculum Architect (09/2014 - 12/2023) | Schule für Gestaltung Bern/Biel

• Developed and delivered courses on UX, design thinking, and frontend development.
• Integrated emerging tech like AR/VR into the curriculum.
• Designed an apprenticeship program to equip students with industry-ready skills.

Guest Lecturer & Associated Design Researcher (02/2018 - 08/2022) | Bern University of the Arts

• Conducted design research focusing on digital transformation.
• Led large-scale research projects on digital emotions and learning environments.

Founder & UX Lead (07/2019 - 10/2022) | Trivs (EdTech Startup)

• Developed a digital platform for music education, engaging music teachers as early adopters.
• Managed product development, UX, and financial strategy.

Strategic Advisor in Digital Transformation (02/2017 - 08/2022) | Dasein. Kommunikation und Prozessbegleitung

• Consulted on disruptive leadership, digital transformation, and UX strategy.

Senior UX Consultant (04/2021 - 08/2021) | GARAIO AG

• Conducted user research and persona development to enhance digital employee experiences.
• Designed a SharePoint-based intranet improving usability and accessibility.

Additional Roles:

• Marketing, Design & Communications Lead | mtbeer Bikeschule & Solutions GmbH (2007 - 2019)
• Visual / Motion Designer | AZ Medien (2009 - 2019)
• Project Manager & UX Designer | Adaptive Design Collective (2015 - 2016)

Unique Experience:

• Professional Downhill Mountain Biker (2000 - 2012)
• Competed in 200+ international UCI events, representing Switzerland at World Championships.

Key Strengths & Achievements:

• Scaling UX Centers of Excellence, embedding CX & UX in business strategy.
• Developing UX maturity models and defining UX KPIs & behavioral analytics.
• Leading global UX teams and integrating UX into Agile & SAFe methodologies.
• Driving digital transformation & UX research in financial services.
• Educating future designers through academic roles.

Higher Education:

MA in Design & Design Entrepreneurship & Research (2015 - 2018) | Bern University of the Arts (Hochschule der Künste Bern)

• Focus on design strategy, research methodologies, and innovation.
• Strengthened expertise in user-centered design, business strategy, and digital transformation.

Professional Bachelor in Communication Design & Interaction Design (2012 - 2015) |Schule für Gestaltung Bern/Biel

• Specialized in UX, interaction design, and digital product development.
• Built a foundation in user research, visual design, and prototyping.

Specialized Certifications & Training:

CAS Communication & Individual Process Facilitation (2018 - 2019) | Berner Fachhochschule (BFH)

• Enhanced skills in design facilitation, communication strategies, and leadership.

Psychological Counselor (2017 - 2019) | Diploma in Dialog Facilitation (2016 - 2018) | GFK Institut

• Focused on human-centered design, behavioral psychology, and facilitation.
• Strengthened ability to lead design discussions, stakeholder alignment, and UX coaching.

Major in Application Engineering & System Engineering (2002 - 2006) | GIBB Berufsfachschule Bern

• Technical background in software engineering, system development, and digital infrastructures.
• Supports expertise in technology-driven UX solutions.

Corporate & Professional Training:

LGT Internal Training (2022 - Present) | LGT Financial Services AG

• Covered Agile Leadership, GDPR, Cyber Security, Anti-Corruption, and Market Data Policy.
• Strengthened UX alignment with financial regulations and compliance.