Christopher Yew

chrisjyew@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/chrisyew
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A strategic and results-driven program management leader with over 18 years of experience orchestrating high-stakes, cross-organisational initiatives at the forefront of AI. Proven ability to lead through ambiguity, building and mentoring high-performing teams while forging critical partnerships with executive leadership (C-Suite, VPs, Directors) at both Google and Google DeepMind. Expert in architecting and implementing robust operational systems that streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and enable the successful delivery of landmark technology launches. Eager to apply this deep expertise to accelerate progress in AI for Science.

Core Competencies

Program & Strategic Leadership

  • Complex R&D Program Delivery
  • High-Stakes Launch Management
  • Strategic Planning & Roadmapping
  • Campaign & Portfolio Strategy
  • Process Architecture
  • Change Management
  • Risk Management & Mitigation

Leadership & Operations

  • Executive Stakeholder Management
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Mentoring & Team Development
  • Google & GDM Partnerships
  • Budget & Headcount Planning
  • Agile, Scrum & Lean Methods
  • Continuous Improvement

Professional Experience

Lead Program Manager, External Engagement

Google DeepMind | London, UK

February 2022 – Present

  • Directed a portfolio of Google DeepMind's most complex and highest-profile global programs, including multiple launches for Gemini, the end-to-end delivery of GDM's presence at Google I/O, and the AlphaFold Nobel Prize campaign.
  • Architected and implemented a new "Operating System" for the MarComms team, transforming siloed groups into a cohesive, cross-functional unit. This system of shared principles, practices, and tools fundamentally improved planning, team efficiency, and quality of execution.
  • Led the program management for the 'Project Goodall' launch, one of the largest and fastest cross-functional initiatives in GDM's history, successfully coordinating over 30 senior stakeholders across MarComms, Public Policy, and Research.
  • Pioneered a new top-down, strategic planning process for Google I/O, engaging directly with Unit Leads and C-Suite to ensure early alignment on narratives and priorities, reducing planning time by three weeks.
  • Acted as a crucial strategic bridge between Google and GDM MarComms, leading alignment workshops and building a "one team" approach that was essential for navigating inter-dependencies and ensuring seamless execution of key launches.

Group Client Operations Director

AKQA Group | London, UK & Sweden

September 2020 – February 2022

  • Served on the regional executive leadership team, responsible for studio P&L, strategic growth, operational excellence, and studio vision.
  • Provided delivery leadership across London and Sweden studios, overseeing a team of over 50 product managers, project managers, and producers.
  • Directed the framing, planning, and execution of AKQA's largest client program in the global group's history, building a dedicated 100+ person agency operation to deliver a vast portfolio of products and services.
  • Owned the product development practice, defining the vision for product management, strategy, planning processes, and the skills framework for practice growth.

Director of Delivery

ustwo | New York, USA

July 2018 – June 2020

  • Accountable owner for major client accounts including Google, Facebook, Airbnb, and Peloton.
  • Grew the product management department from a single person to a double-digit team within the first 6 months.
  • Innovated a new pitch process responsible for key new business wins and developed new exercises to support client transformation and technology innovation.

Head of Delivery / Group Program Director

AKQA | New York, USA & London, UK

March 2012 – July 2018

  • Directed a global, multi-million dollar program for Nike's landmark partnership with the NBA, orchestrating the delivery of a complex, integrated campaign including launch films and a first-of-its-kind NFC digital experience.
  • Drove new business development in the New York office, growing a single key account from an impromptu meeting to over $10M in annual revenue.

Previous Experience

  • Executive Producer, PROXIMITY BBDO (2010 – 2012)
  • Senior Project Manager, PROFERO (2009 – 2010)
  • Digital Account Manager, ALL RESPONSE MEDIA (2008 – 2009)
  • Key Account Manager (Science - ENDS Report), HAYMARKET MEDIA (2006 – 2008)

Education

BSc (Hons) Psychology, 2:1

Cardiff University | Cardiff, UK