Yannis Paniaras

Yannis Paniaras is an accomplished principal director and designer with extensive experience in multi and cross-disciplinary product development and design management. Throughout his career at Microsoft and Nokia Design, Yannis has demonstrated his leadership and expertise across the United States, Europe, and China.

Currently, as one of the founding members of Microsoft Digital's AI Center of Excellence, formed in early 2023, Yannis plays a crucial role in spearheading AI investments, planning, and experiences for various employee experiences within Microsoft. His collaboration with Horizon 1 to 3 initiatives drives the multidimensional orchestration of AI, ensuring cutting-edge employee experiences.

In the past three years, Yannis has redefined the creative direction for Microsoft Employee Experiences (EE) through close collaboration with the UX Strategy team in the Employee Experience Studio. His insights and expertise contribute to the continuous enhancement of user-centric design and innovation.

Yannis's journey as a design leader began in 2002 when he relocated to China through intergovernmental cooperation. Following his graduation from the prestigious EU-China Managers Training program, he collaborated with Microsoft Research in Beijing, driving digital pen and ink innovations and human-centered advanced input experiences.

From 2003 to 2015, Yannis led design teams and studios across East Asia, Europe, and the US. In 2011, he established the Nokia mobile phones user experience design team in China and Finland, successfully integrating it into the global network of Nokia Design studios.

Yannis holds a Master of Arts degree from Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland, and has received comprehensive education in Italy, the United States, Finland, Sweden, and China.