Chris Nelson
UX / AI / Product Design Leader
Senior UX & Design Leader with 20 years of experience driving impact at scale. From launching a $100M AI business at Wayfair to fueling Walmart Marketplace’s $30B+ GMV growth, I build teams, streamline workflows, and create standout digital experiences.
Work
Driving Product Innovation at Scale — Case studies available upon request.
Walmart: Envisioned and delivered UX-led innovations that directly drove a 40% share increase for Walmart Marketplace, contributing to over $30B in GMV.Wayfair: Led design for a $100M AI-powered business launch, embedding machine learning into core customer, pro, and partner experiences.Design Leadership: Scaled teams from 3 to 20+ designers and researchers; implemented design operations to improve velocity, collaboration, quality, and quality of life.AI + UX: Partnered with C-suite to integrate generative AI and predictive models; accelerating decision-making, unlocking efficiencies, and setting strategic direction.
About
20 Years of Leading UX Teams, Shaping Enterprise Design, and Building for the Future
I’ve spent two decades designing and scaling enterprise-grade digital experiences across Fortune 500 companies like Walmart, Wayfair, Verizon, and JCPenney. I’ve grown design teams from 3 to 20+ practitioners, built design ops from the ground up, and partnered closely with executive leadership to embed AI and machine learning into core products and processes. Whether I’m launching new lines of business or optimizing billion-dollar marketplaces, I bring a systems-thinking approach to design that prioritizes measurable impact, inclusive innovation, and team culture.When I'm not working, I'm usually traveling, home remodeling, creating commissioned art, or co-hosting a podcast.
Contact
I’m always open to connecting re: UX leadership, AI in product design, or scaling high-impact teams. Whether you’re building something bold, navigating a personal or org-wide transformation, or just want to exchange ideas, drop me a line. And while you're at it, connect with me on LinkedIn.
Thank you
I appreciate you taking the time to get in touch. Your message is on its way, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you haven’t already.