Martin Dowson FRSA
Education
The University of Edinburgh
MA (Hons), Psychology 1995-10-01 - 1999-06-01Work Experience
Design for Good
Current
Design for Good
Design Forward
Current
Design Forward
Being Liminal Podcast
Current
Being Liminal Podcast
The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce)
Current
The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce)
Optima Partners
2023-05-01 - 2023-09-01
Optima Partners
Wipro
2022-01-01 - 2023-04-01
Wipro
BT Group
2022-01-01 - 2022-09-01
BT Group
Lloyds Banking Group
2016-07-01 - 2021-04-01
Lloyds Banking Group
Design Business Association (DBA)
2020-01-01 - 2021-01-01
Design Business Association (DBA)
The Glasgow School of Art
2018-05-01 - 2020-05-01
The Glasgow School of Art
Skills
Summary
I’m a design and transformation leader who’s passionate about elevating the role of design as a strategic force for business growth. With over two decades of experience across Financial Services, TelCo, Media, and more, I’ve built and led design teams, established Centres of Excellence, and guided organisations through complex transformations that align design with commercial outcomes. My approach is rooted in the belief that design thrives when it’s connected to purpose. Whether advising digital executives on integrating design, product, and engineering capabilities, stepping into interim leadership roles to prepare teams for long-term success, or mentoring design leaders to grow their impact, I focus on creating lasting value that benefits both individuals and organisations. I’m driven by a commitment to helping others grow and a determination to demonstrate design’s role in building purpose-led, sustainable businesses. Let’s connect if you’re exploring how design can unlock real impact and value in your organisation. Specialties: Digital & Design Leadership, Business Transformation through Design, Service Design, Design Research, Experience Design, Customer Strategy, Design Strategy, Customer Journey Mapping, ROI of Design, Embedding Organisational Change, CX Metrics and Measurement, Customer Insight, Sustainable Business, Executive Coaching, Design Thinking, Voice of the Customer, Proposition Development, User Experience.
