Newcomer

Marie Kurstjens works at the intersection of social design, product design and participatory research. Her work focuses on social and humanitarian challenges, as well as on how design can empower self-determination and participation. In the Cook/Ability and Designing Dignity projects, she works alongside the respective communities to develop accessible, dignified and needs-based solutions. 

Anne Nebendahl, born in Munich, studied product design at the HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd. For over twenty years, she has been designing all the brand’s touchpoints at adidas — from product innovation to flagship concepts. As Design Lead, she was responsible for the first circular shoe and the collaboration with Parley for the Oceans. Today, as Senior Design Director of Creative Direction, she shapes the global brand.  Her approach to design is systemic and puts people at the centre: in product development, as consumers and in leadership.

Patrick Speck was born in Brazil and graduated in Industrial Design from PUCPR in 2000, followed by a Master’s degree in Product Design and Engineering from the same institution. Between 2000 and 2006 Patrick worked for Electrolux Home Products. In 2006 Patrick joined GROHE. Throughout the years, he held several senior positions in the design department, supporting the brand around the globe and leading projects from concept to production. In October 2018, Patrick was appointed VP of Design Transformation. Since January 2020, Patrick is Leader LIXIL Global Design EMENA, increasing his responsibility with regional design leadership for LIXIL’s Design Studios in Düsseldorf and London. He is based in London, and leading the GROHE and Cobra brands, assuring the brands remain well-defined, authentic and with a unique sense of purpose. In this function, he reports directly to Paul Flowers, Leader LIXIL Global Design, Executive Vice President and in a dotted line to Leader LIXIL EMENA. His list of achievements includes several Intellectual Property files (Brazil, Europe and the US) both for Electrolux and GROHE.