MINNA RUNDGREN
PRODUCT DESIGNER
I am a design specialist in technical sports apparel: Consumer Insights Research, Concept creation, R&D, Collection realization and Category leadership. My work experience is based in large international brands: Nike and Salomon. I have Master’s degrees both in Apparel Design and Design Business Management which enables me to work on multidisciplinary concepts.
I originally come from Finnish Lapland and have lived in several countries. I am installed in the French Alps near Annecy. I am passionate for sports such as skiing (cross-country/alpine/backcountry) trail running, wind-surfing, biking (road/mountain) and rock climbing. They have greatly helped me to understand outdoors as a playground and a source of well-being.
I am happy helping you to define your design strategy and collection creation with an open mind and energy. I am looking at ways to make products more sustainable and integrate the systemic approach.
SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER SPORTS APPAREL - SALOMON, FRANCE 2008 - 2021
Designing across all sports categories M/W at Salomon including diverse SKI (on-piste, all mountain), athletic OUTDOOR, versatile MULTISPORTS, demanding ENDURANCE SPORTS (run and Nordic skiing) and urban inspired SPORTSWEAR.
Re-defining on-piste and all mountain offer for men by diversifying and creating more versatile products while maintaining Salomon ski identity to be unique yet highly technical since FW21-22 season.
Contributing to a cross-category (ski-shoe-apparel) project called “INDEX” to create a concept for women who love outdoors.
Collaborating with the R&D and world leading athletes, such as Kilian Jornet, Anna Frost and Nicola Vuignier, to push multiple innovation projects coupled with a user-centric approach.
Leading the women’s initiative for the ski category proposing selective collection for ski slopes and urban winter wear usage.
Co-creating new global Salomon design DNA projects.
Driving and creating tools that improve product creation processes such as detail books, technical design packs etc.
DESIGN LECTURER - AALTO UNIVERSITY, FINLANDE 2012 - 2013
Leading the sports design course while utilizing my industrial expertise to inspire future professionals.
PRODUCT DESIGNER SPORTS APPAREL - NIKE EHQ, THE NETHERLANDS 2006 - 2008
Joining in a desired Nike Management Development Program (MDP) which included collaborative projects within the Global Advanced Innovation Team and prepared me to work cross-functionally in a global framework.
Designing global tennis collections from ‘best in class’ basics to pinnacle pieces for Serena Williams and other world leading players.
DESIGNER ASSISTANT OUTDOORS APPAREL - HALTI, FINLAND 2006
- While working for the Finnish market leading brands in outdoors, Halti and Raiski, I gained a unique experience in product and details design as well as development processes. I learned commercial and technical design skills.
FREELANCE DESIGNER - FINLAND 2004-2006
While accomplishing my MA studies I managed various research and design projects including technical outdoors wear, work wear, magazine illustration and B2B projects for different clients.
I designed a collection made of used garments and textiles. The collection was sold in Myymälä2, Helsinki.