From visual design to product leadership

After 12 years as a visual designer, I moved into product in 2016, driven by a desire to solve meaningful user problems guided by data. Inspired by Marty Cagan’s Inspired, I adopted an evidence-led approach that champions the user while aligning closely with business goals and constraints.

The shift built on strong foundations in UX, alongside formal training through Google’s Professional Certificate in UX Design. My product thinking was forged in startup environments, partnering closely with product managers, tech leads and engineering teams. Over time, I’ve developed a strong belief in empowered product teams, informed by hands-on experience and ongoing study of modern product practice.

Today, I operate at both strategic and team levels. I define product vision and experience principles, lead and coach product managers and designers, and work with engineering leaders to align strategy, discovery and delivery. Books such as Empowered, Transformed, and Radical Candor have reinforced my approach to leadership: clear ownership, high standards, and direct, respectful collaboration across disciplines.

In my current role as Principal User Experience Designer at Reece Group, I lead the design strategy for customer-facing B2B digital products across Australia and New Zealand. My work includes establishing a research-led culture, overseeing the design vision of our web and mobile apps, and embedding design-led thinking into product and engineering practices. Close proximity to customers at Reece has enabled me to champion a customer-first approach, ensuring design decisions solve real customer problems while supporting business growth.

Previously, as Product Design Lead at 321 Ignition, I applied direct response and conversion-focused design strategies that

What I'm known for

Championing design

With extensive experience in product and UX design leadership in SaaS, enterprise and agency environments, I bring a proven ability to set strategic design vision and deliver customer-first outcomes.

Focussing on results

I'm all about data - if you can't measure it, you can't improve it. You'll often spot me analysing analytics, and the design process is not done until we've reached our success metrics.

Leading successful teams

I lead by empowering and enabling designers and product managers, elevating design and product maturity, and ensuring my team’s work has measurable impact across the organisation.

As Principal UX Designer at Reece Group, I lead design strategy for customer-facing B2B digital products across Australia and New Zealand. I champion a research-led, customer-first culture, guide the vision for web and mobile experiences, and embed design thinking into product and engineering practice.

Previously, as Product & Design Lead at 321 Ignition, I headed mobile-first, conversion-focused design to deliver a 324% average uplift in dealership lead conversions. At Whippet, I led performance-driven campaigns that contributed to a substantial increase in sales revenue for Coles Financial Services.

Coaching team members is a core part of my leadership practice. I support designers and product managers in building confidence, sharpening their craft and growing into strong product thinkers. Seeing careers progress and capability deepen across a team is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.

delivered measurable outcomes. I drove a 324% average uplift in lead conversions for dealerships and significantly reduced mobile bounce rates. At Tarazz, I designed conversion-driven eDM and social media campaigns that contributed to a 220% increase in sales revenue. These roles strengthened my ability to connect design craft with tangible business results.

I thrive on mentoring designers and creating an environment where teams can excel. Having led and coached designers in both corporate and agency contexts, I understand the importance of building confidence, clarity and collaboration within teams.

How others see me

"An incredible leader inspiring other designers, lifting the design practice across all teams, and fostering a true customer centric approach to the product and business."

"Hire Marina for her leadership capabilities, even above her expertise in design."

"The way Marina helped us think about and prioritise customer impact was inspiring. She's adept at packaging and presenting very complex information into clear and concise boards, and brings keen insights to every discussion."

— Doug Hagan, Tech Lead

From visual design to product leadership