SOOYEON (Summer) KIM

SOOYEON (Summer) KIM is currently the Head of Product at 하루, a position that highlights her leadership in product management and development. She has an extensive background in user experience (UX) and product design, having previously held significant roles at major tech companies.

Professional Background

• WhatsApp (Facebook): Summer led the WhatsApp Research organization, focusing on user experience across various business units. She was instrumental in creating the end-to-end product experience for over 2 billion users globally.
• Google: As the Head of User Experience Research, she managed teams responsible for Gmail and Hangouts Chat, leading strategic research initiatives that transformed communication tools.
• Microsoft: Worked as a User Experience Research Lead, contributing to the development of the Surface Tablet product line.
• Motorola: Held multiple roles where she led customer research projects and innovation initiatives.

Education

Summer holds degrees from prestigious institutions:

• Harvard University Graduate School of Design (Architecture)
• Carleton University (BID in Industrial Design, Summa Cum Laude)
• Columbia University (MS in Technology Management)

Her diverse educational background complements her professional expertise, particularly in technology management and user-centered design.

Skills and Contributions

• User Experience Leadership: Known for mentoring UX professionals and advocating for women's empowerment in tech.
• Research and Insights: Delivered actionable insights that shaped product strategies across multiple platforms.

With a strong foundation in both design and technology, SOOYEON (Summer) KIM continues to influence product development at 하루, leveraging her extensive experience to drive innovation.