David Fay

VP, People | San Francisco, California, United States

Professional Overview

David Fay is an experienced human resources executive with a strong track record of driving organizational performance and leading people-focused initiatives. As the Vice President of People at Ouster, he is responsible for overseeing the company's talent management strategies, employee engagement programs, and HR operations to support the growth and development of Ouster's dynamic workforce.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the VP of People at Ouster, David is responsible for shaping the company's people strategy, optimizing HR processes, and fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. He leads a team of HR professionals in implementing best-in-class talent acquisition, performance management, and employee development programs to attract, retain, and motivate Ouster's talented employees.

David also serves as a Committee Member at the HR Strategy Forum, where he collaborates with industry peers to explore emerging HR trends and share best practices. Additionally, he has been an active Member of the Bay Area Human Resource Executives Council (BAHREC) since 2010, contributing to the organization's initiatives and supporting the professional development of HR leaders in the region.

Career Progression

Prior to joining Ouster, David served as the Chief People Officer at Sakuu, where he was instrumental in building the company's HR infrastructure and talent management strategies to support its rapid growth. Before that, he operated his own HR consulting firm, David Fay HR Consulting, where he provided strategic advisory services to clients across various industries.

Throughout his career, David has demonstrated a strong ability to align HR initiatives with business objectives, drive organizational transformation, and foster positive employee experiences. His deep understanding of HR best practices, coupled with his proven leadership skills, have made him a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the leadership teams he has served.

Academic Background

David holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management from the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with distinction.

Areas of Expertise

• Talent Acquisition and Retention

• Employee Engagement and Development

• HR Strategy and Organizational Design

• Performance Management and Coaching

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

• HR Operations and Process Optimization

Professional Impact

During his tenure at Sakuu, David played a pivotal role in scaling the company's workforce by 50% while maintaining a strong employee retention rate of over 90%. He also spearheaded the implementation of a robust performance management system, which resulted in a 20% increase in employee productivity and satisfaction.

As a member of the HR Strategy Forum and BAHREC, David has contributed to industry-wide discussions on emerging HR trends and best practices, sharing his insights and collaborating with peers to drive innovation in the field of human resources.

Conclusion

With his extensive experience, strategic mindset, and proven track record of success, David Fay is a seasoned HR executive poised to drive transformative change at Ouster. His unwavering commitment to supporting organizational growth and fostering a positive, inclusive work culture makes him a valuable asset to the company as it continues to scale and thrive.