Kim Inouye

product + design + operations leader

People have described me as having a quick mind and a big heart, and I think that's the through-line in everything I do. I show up fully present, especially when things get charged or confusing. I've learned that the most valuable thing I can bring into a room isn't a framework or a deck. It's the ability to stay calm, listen deeply, and shape clarity out of ambiguity. Most recently that looked like leading AI transformation and strategic operations for a 300+ person global design org at PayPal.

Sr Staff Program Manager, AI & Agentic, Payments, Design Ops

PayPal  ·  2024 – Present

  • Leading design and development of agentic AI tools — designs compliant with accessibility standards, content aligned with brand voice, localized for global markets. Working primarily with Replit and Cursor.
  • Reduced operational overhead 60–80% through AI-powered automation, including UK Consumer Duty compliance reviews and routine administrative tasks using ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot.
  • Secured enterprise AI tool approval by navigating complex regulatory requirements with risk, compliance, and legal — including general counsel approval for Figma Make.
  • Running strategic planning and program management for the broader org: annual planning, capacity planning, multi-year roadmaps, headcount strategy, and global program coordination across product, design, engineering, and marketing.
  • Established and managed operating rhythms for teams of 120+ across three continents (NA, APAC, EMEA).

Chief of Staff, Global Product Design

PayPal  ·  2022 – 2024

Strategic operations leader for a 300+ person global design organization spanning product design, content design, UX research, design systems, and product enablement across three continents.

  • Facilitated executive team of 12 VPs and Directors in strategic planning and resource allocation ($50M+ budget).
  • Drove annual planning process: OKR development, capacity planning, and roadmap development for the global org.
  • Built operating rhythms from scratch — long-term planning, quarterly business reviews, performance dashboards, and all documentation.
  • Scaled operations for 40% growth (200 to 300 employees) while improving team engagement 25%.
  • Led major organizational transformation initiatives, coordinating headcount strategy and flagging risks proactively across functions.

Head of Design Operations

Etsy  ·  2020 – 2022

Built design operations from 0 to 1 during hypergrowth, establishing the strategic planning and operational infrastructure needed to scale.

  • Built operations function for a rapidly scaling organization (30 to 100+ employees).
  • Developed OKR framework adopted company-wide, improving goal clarity and alignment.
  • Improved team engagement from 72% to 89% through operational frameworks and cultural programming.
  • Implemented measurement plan and dashboard providing executive visibility into capacity, velocity, and impact.

Director of Digital Experience (Product Director)

FLOR Inc.  ·  2015 – 2017

  • Managed $14M P&L with full revenue and operational expense accountability.
  • Increased conversion rate 120% through UI/UX and merchandising optimization.
  • Led product and engineering teams in developing innovative design tools for online and retail.

Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Grainger  ·  2012 – 2014

  • Led cross-functional programs across product, design, marketing, and sales for Fortune 500.
  • Pioneered content strategy generating 200%+ increase in lead volume.