# André de Castilho > Design Technologist at Apple Location: San Francisco, California, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/andrdecastilho As a seasoned and results-driven professional, I bring a unique blend of creative and technical expertise, innovative problem-solving skills, content production, and product development acumen to drive large-scale projects to success. I have extensive experience in content production, user experience, generative AI, and systems automation, allowing me to bring a comprehensive approach to developing flawless experiences. With a proven track record of over 60+ successful products and projects across the advertising, technology, and entertainment industries, I have a strong understanding of mature business models and early-stage startups. My passion for systems thinking, mental models, and team development, along with my ability to lead by example and thrive in a fast-paced and goal-driven environment, makes me a valuable asset to any organization. In addition, I am committed to continuous learning and growth and continuously seeking opportunities to make a positive impact through education and social initiatives. My approach to work is centered around a test-and-learn methodology, ensuring that I bring a data-driven and iterative approach to every project I undertake. Proficient with: Extended Reality Generative AI Program Management Prototyping Product & Content Development Partner & Agency Management Attribution Models User Experience Budgeting & Forecasting Building Teams & Processes Design Sprint Facilitator Scrum Master ## Work Experience ### Product & Design Technical Lead @ Apple Jan 2023 – Present | Cupertino, CA Led the architecture and development of intelligent systems, integrating ML/AI-driven insights into end-to-end design workflows. • Spearheaded the creation of a cross-functional ML/AI Media Lab Sandbox, enabling rapid prototyping of inteligente tools, and adaptive UI frameworks. • Partnered with engineering, research, and design teams to translate abstract innovation challenges into actionable product roadmaps and proof-of-concept prototypes. • Directed system-level design initiatives, aligning intelligent systems, usability, and ethical standards. • Advocated for scalable design systems that support automation, experimentation, and multi-modal interaction models. • Mentored a team of designers, technologists, and researchers in applying AI/ML to creative tools, enhancing collaboration and strategic impact. My role sits at the intersection of design leadership and emerging technology—where product vision, technical depth, and creative exploration converge. ### Sr. Managing Consultant @ Sia Partners Jan 2022 – Jan 2023 | San Francisco Bay Area Embedded PMO (Program Management Office) consultant within the Meta Web Team • Successfully managed complex web projects as a key member of the Meta Web Team. Brought a strategic and results-driven approach to ensure project success. • PMO support for the launch of Meta Verified. • Implemented a new intake process yielding greater efficiency and quicker time to market • Developed, implemented, and maintained project management processes and standards, ensuring all teams' adherence. • Central point of contact for all project-related matters within the Web Team, aligning efforts across functions, teams, and stakeholders. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and effective coordination of efforts, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. • Expertise in identifying and mitigating risks and issues, proactively proposing solutions to ensure project success. ### Lead Producer @ Apple Jan 2021 – Jan 2022 | San Francisco Bay Area • Lead seasonal Apple Marcom projects with multiple touch points – Design, UX, Engineering, and Video teams across Apple • Managed project’s cross-functional teams, including design, production, engineering, IT, product, and retail. • Oversee worldwide project delivery from brief to launch. • Partnered with engineering and IT to deliver digital executions worldwide. ### Founder @ Zheener Jan 2017 – Jan 2021 | San Francisco Bay Area Zheener was an Ad-Tech Startup based in San Francisco. Providing advertising & technology solutions for small businesses. YCombinator Startup School Alum Fall 2019 Conceptualized the idea and led the product development of an Generative AI advertising solution focusing on small businesses. Bootstrapped a new approach to performance base advertising utilizing automation, Machine Learning and human creativity. Developed the "Intelligent Ad" product vision, strategy, and roadmap. Led a dispersed team of creatives, engineers & PMs worldwide. • Develop the product by questioning the norms with a performance-based approach and applying Systems Thinking methodologies to disrupt the advertising space. • Brought new perspectives to Generative executions, product development, predictable behavior, and technical development process. • Lead project management, including; development, content, strategy, positioning, digital and social strategy, go-to-market, and advertising, with a remote team and distributed workforce. • Technical development of an ultra-fast video ad production with a five-day turnaround time and new data-based video variations in 15 days. ### Director Of Marketing And Product Management @ Nimblefish® Jan 2016 – Jan 2017 | San Francisco Bay Area Nimblefish was a marketing technology company acquired by RR Donnelley. Tasked to revamp the marketing operations team, and lead a team of twenty-five members (technical product managers, program managers, marketing, and creative). Development of B2B2C automated video solutions. Took the initiative in providing an insights-driven approach to planning, creative development, execution, measurement, and optimization of projects. Brought the company back to profitability and re-located the office back to headquarters in Chicago, IL. • Successfully build high output creative and operations teams, fostered by an environment based on accountability and trust. • Served as the driving force in opening three large sales channels with Capital One, Carmax, and Anthem Blue Cross. • Oversaw the entire product roll-out phase of video product features, along with the automation of marketing initiatives and professional services. • Conceptualized and design a programmatic campaign, matching display and direct mail utilizing IP to physical address match, resulting in 68% new subscribers. • Made substantial contribution in managing the execution of new product features and the automation of marketing initiatives and professional services. Clients: AT&T, Blue Cross Blue Shields, Capital One, VSP ### Director Of Delivery @ Organic Jan 2015 – Jan 2016 | San Francisco Bay Area Organic, Inc. is an interactive advertising agency and is a part of the Omnicom Group Inc. Hired to lead Project Management, Resources, Finance, and Delivery teams. Hands-on leader with a track record of successfully leading teams of up to twenty-five in a fast-paced, advertising agency environment. Demonstrated ability to design and deliver best-in-class programs and execution strategies for a large global financial client. Built trusted relationships with clients to understand requirements and objectives. • Played a key role in exceeding revenue expectations by $1M in the fourth quarter of 2015 • Managed high-profile projects for key launches, campaigns, and corporate initiatives. • Developed year-long production & communication calendar, serving over 40 lines of business for Wells Fargo. • Reduced production cost by 38% while delivering the same service level, without adding additional headcount. • Program lead for a first-of-its-kind mobile home lending and personal finance application for Wells Fargo. • Served in the agency leadership team, managed budgets, office P&L, pipelines, internal and external resources, and partnerships. Clients: Wells Fargo (Digital AOR + Experience Projects), Nike, and Foster Farms ### Program Director @ MRY Jan 2013 – Jan 2015 | San Francisco Bay Area MRY is a marketing and advertising agency part of Publicis Groupe Member of the leadership team tasked with opening the new San Francisco office. Established and managed project management, operations, resources, finance, schedules, P&L, and project plans. • A member of the leadership team that on-boarded 2 larger clients as part of a small, competent business development team. • Planned and scope complex digital and social projects with multiple workstreams. • Implemented a proven production pipeline and trained a new team of project managers. • Managed a by-coastal team of program and project managers. Clients: Neutrogena, StubHub, Charles Schwab, Del Monte Foods - budgets 500k to 5M ### Director of Interactive Production @ H&L Partners Jan 2010 – Jan 2013 | San Francisco Bay Area H&L Partners is an independent advertising agency headquartered in Oakland, CA Hired to build the digital division of H&L from the ground up. Managed a team of project managers and digital creative with budgets ranging from 500K to 3M. Lead digital marketing, brand, web, and mobile projects. • Successfully established the agency’s digital business and social divisions, turning it into a successful income-generating profit center in less than one year. • Played a lead role in implementing an Agile process for the development and deployment of digital executions, resulting in greater innovation and efficiency. • Conceptualized and developed the first official mobile application for McDonald’s Corporation (#mcdapp) from UI to tech build. The entire project took 60 days to complete with a 5k budget, yielding 100k downloads within the first 30 days with no media funding. • Production lead for the first Facebook experience for the Toyota Fan Zone. Clients: Toyota, McDonald’s, USC, Bank of the West ### Product Manager @ The Walt Disney Company - Disney Consumer Products Jan 2007 – Jan 2010 | Glendale Managed domestic and offshore teams of product developers, designers, 3D artists, and software developers for design and product development of Disney Consumer Electronics Toys products with budgets ranging from $500K to $8 million and production teams of 15+ members. • Successfully launched the first Disney Star Music line (Guitar, Keyboard, and Vocal) software and hardware products. • Lead product manager for Disney Mix Central – a pre-cursor to Apple’s iTunes, before Disney / Apple relationship where Disney featured and sold its own content directly to consumers thru pre-packaged media and Online. • Produced and Launch Disney Pix and Flix software products, a new digital camera line for children; designed to inspire creativity, featuring easy-to-use editing software for a fun and personalized experience. ### Producer @ Disney Channel Jan 2004 – Jan 2007 | Burbank, California Hands-on digital production for Disney Channel. Led digital production, online game development, content strategy, user experience, video flow, R&D, legal, media rights, and DRM for the Online player. Launched DisneyChannel.com, High School Musical, and Hannah Montana's main sites. Key member in the online launch of Disney Channel worldwide. Lead Producer for a company-wide Worldwide Brand Marketing Digital Asset Management solution. Oversaw the production of multiple Online games, site design, and development. Handling an average of 2/3 of the entire Walt Disney Company online traffic. • Launched the very first VOD streaming video service for Disney Channel. Subsequently, it became the 2007 Emmy finalist for Outstanding Interactive Media. It was the first video streaming service with full-length episodes for Disney Channel. • Promax/BDA And Webby Awards - Multiple Promax/BDA awards and a Webby Award Honoree for the “High School Musical” site and the DisneyChannel.com Video Player. ### Producer - Freelance @ Disney Channel Jan 2000 – Jan 2004 | Burbank, California Lead producer and researcher for the Disney ABC CNG Media Lab. Led the Incubation and development of cutting-edge interactive online technologies for Disney Channel, including games and interactive site development for previously static Disney Channel branded sites. Successfully execute multiple overlapping technology projects from kickoff to final delivery, including testing and validating new technologies, user experience, and digital content development. • Built from scratch the New Media Lab a multi-million-dollar digital innovation lab. • Conceived and developed the first Disney branded streaming player from prototype to launch (Emmy® Nominated). • Launched the first in-house email sentiment logic built & ingestion data system (SMART). ### Cinematographer @ Novocom & Freelance Jan 1996 – Jan 2000 | Los Angeles & San Francisco Shot and produced music videos, network bumps, interstitials, and documentary films. Responsible for the design and development of the project’s look and feel, hire a camera and lighting crews, and assist with post-production Awards include: ▪ “Malfunkshun, The Andy Wood Story” – AFI Documentary Series (Director of Photography) ▪ “Me and Ms. Jones” Feature Film – Best Movie Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame (Director of Photography) ▪ “I Like” performed by Unique – Best Music Video Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame (Director of Photography) ▪ “La Vida, the Strength Within” Gold – San Francisco International Film Festival (Director of Photography) ▪ “Birth of Perception – The RU-486 Story” Documentary – National Education Media Network - Bronze (Producer) ## Education ### Fellowship in Computer Graphics - Computer Science University of California, Davis ### BA in Cinema San Francisco State University ### Incompleted in Industrial Design Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/andredecastilho --- Source: https://flows.cv/andrdecastilho JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/andrdecastilho/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-13