Howard Kirsten

Howard "Smitty" Kirsten is a seasoned design professional with extensive experience in user experience and design management. Currently serving as Principal UX Designer at Staples since September 2019, Kirsten previously held the position of Director of User Experience at Sophos, overseeing the design of multiple cloud-based products and leading a team of designers across three divisions. Earlier roles include VP of UXD at Intronis, where an initial UXD department was created and the Data Backup and Recovery Product was redesigned, and Senior Design Manager at EMC, where management of a global design team contributed to the development of the xCelerated Composition Platform. Additional experience includes design architect roles at Intuit and IBM/Lotus Development Corporation, where significant contributions were made to professional tax products and mobile application design, respectively. Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern University.