When strategy is solid—but progress stalls, AI is disrupting the plan.
You have a clear vision and executive buy-in, but execution lags. Teams are stretched. Initiatives lose steam. AI is disrupting your plans and competitive outlook. You know where you want to go, just not who can drive it.
That’s where David Panarelli comes in.
As a Fractional Chief Innovation Officer, Head of Product, or Head of UX, David helps bridge the gap between vision and outcomes without the overhead of a full-time hire.
He’s Built What You’re Trying to Build
From AI-driven platforms at McKinsey to stabilizing design teams at Creative Market, I have a 20+ year track record of leading cross-functional initiatives that de-risk digital product bets, improve performance, and align teams around outcomes.
I’m not one to drop a deck and disappear, I get embedded and get the team moving again.
Trusted by Teams at
- McKinsey & Company: AI platform innovation
- Creative Market: 40% conversion boost through design ops and hiring
- Mosaic Financial: Strategic workshops and 0–1 product design
- Renovate America: $2B funding growth through B2B product strategy
- LivingSocial: Scaled research and UX during hypergrowth
What David Delivers
- Embedded Product & Design Leadership
Align product, design, and engineering with business goals—fast. - Innovation with Accountability
Facilitate strategy and execute through hands-on design and delivery practices. - Operational Uplift for Design Teams
Stabilize, mentor, and grow teams to high performance. - AI Readiness and Platform Innovation
Grounded, real-world leadership in AI product strategy and trust-building.
When to Call David
| The Situation | What’s Been Tried | What David Brings |
|---|---|---|
| You ran an innovation workshop—but nothing stuck | Offsites and sticky notes | Follow-through: turning insights into roadmaps and operational plans |
| You hired an agency—but the product still underperforms | Aesthetic redesign | User-centered execution tied to business goals |
| You introduced OKRs—but teams aren’t aligned | Top-down KPIs | Cross-functional facilitation with clear ownership and tradeoffs |
| You created an “innovation task force”—but progress is unclear | Facilitated Monthly check-ins | Decision-making authority and embedded leadership |
| You sent teams to training—but nothing changed | Mentorship and Practice Methods | Culture change through embedded mentorship and operations |
How It Works
Fractional engagements are flexible and fast to start.
Whether you need me for 1–2 days per week, a fixed-term engagement, or a short-term strategic push, I’ll integrate with your team and get moving.
Let’s Talk
Need a seasoned hand at the wheel? Let’s talk.
Quick onboarding, no hand-holding, just traction.
📍 Based in San Diego, available remotely
📩 david.panarelli@gmail.com