Chris Flink

Chris Flink is an American designer, educator, and business executive known for his work in innovation, higher education, and museum leadership.[1] He is currently an adjunct professor at Stanford University and a venture partner at Jazz Venture Partners. He previously served as CEO and Executive Director of the Exploratorium, a pioneering museum of science, art, and human perception in San Francisco, and was senior partner at the design firm IDEO.[2]

Early life and education

Flink was born in New York City and grew up in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. He earned a bachelor's degree in engineering and product design from Stanford University and later received a Master's degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.[1] As an undergraduate, he visited the Exploratorium, which he later described as an early influence on his creative, interdisciplinary career.

Career

Independent Inventor:

Flink’s early career included work success as an independent inventor, with several consumer product patents to his name and coverage in local press.[3]

IDEO

Flink spent 19 years at IDEO, where he was a partner and led the Consumer Experience Design practice. He co-founded the firm's New York office and worked on large-scale innovation and design initiatives across a variety of industries.[4]

Stanford University

Flink is a founding faculty member of the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University[2] (commonly known as the d.school). He has taught interdisciplinary courses that combine design, engineering, and business, and currently holds the title of adjunct professor. From 2012 to 2017, he also served as a faculty Resident Fellow, living on campus and supporting undergraduate residential education.[1][5]

Exploratorium

In 2016, Flink was appointed Executive Director and CEO of the Exploratorium, following his 19 year career at the global design firm IDEO[4] and faculty appointments at Stanford's School of Engineering[4] and Graduate School of Business.

As highlighted in a 2020 San Francisco Business Times feature, Flink brought a design-driven vision to the museum’s future, focusing on creating engaging, curiosity-led experiences.[6]

In a 2018 interview with ABC7 News, he emphasized the importance of science literacy through engaging public programs such as the Exploratorium’s Playful Pi Day celebrations.[7]

He led the institution through its 50th anniversary (2019) and the COVID-19 pandemic stepping down from the role in 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw initiatives to increase attendance, expand teacher professional development programs,[8] establish the Global Studios program, and develop new approaches to science center programming.[9]

Board memberships and venture capital

Flink has served on the boards of several public companies in the financial technology sector, including Fiserv (2012–2016) and E*TRADE (2013–2015). He is currently a venture partner at Jazz Venture Partners, a San Francisco–based venture capital firm that invests at the intersection of neuroscience and technology.[10]

Personal life

Flink lives in San Francisco, California, and also spends time in Mill Valley. He has two daughters.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Chris Flink's Profile | Stanford Profiles". profiles.stanford.edu. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Bill Moggridge, Stanford d.school professor and developer of laptop computer, dies at 69". news.stanford.edu. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  3. ^ https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Reinventing-the-Wheel-Innovators-put-different-2976903.php
  4. ^ a b c d Perlman, David. "New Exploratorium boss from IDEO design firm".
  5. ^ a b Perlman, David. "New Exploratorium boss from IDEO design firm".
  6. ^ Green, Alisha. "How the Exploratorium's director is designing a future around inspiring curiosity". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  7. ^ "Exploratorium executive director explains why we celebrate Pi Day". ABC7 San Francisco. March 15, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  8. ^ Hume, Kevin N. (August 13, 2019). "Mayor, Exploratorium officials gather to celebrate opening of "Middle Ground" installation". San Francisco Examiner. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  9. ^ https://cdn.coverstand.com/39687/315230/14af6f5f247a79c167a2eaeaa0ed654b7acb2ba7.8.pdf
  10. ^ "JAZZ Venture Partners". JAZZ Venture Partners. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
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