KISDtalk with Michael Kruza and Ole Heydekamp

Building World-Class Design Teams

How does a career evolve from design school into leading digital design at one of Europe’s largest technology organizations?

KISDtalk on ⏰ June 16, 2026, 5:30-7:00 p.m., room 11

In this talk, KISD graduate Ole Heydekamp will share his journey from studying design in Cologne to becoming Vice President of Digital Design at Deutsche Telekom. Together with Michael Kruza, Head of Design Operations & Insights, Ole will provide insights into how large-scale digital design organizations operate, how products for millions of users are created, and what it takes to build and grow high-performing international design teams.

The session will also explore

– how design is structured inside Deutsche Telekom
– collaboration across product, engineering, and business
– team culture, operations, and creative quality
– how global design talent is identified, recruited, and developed

A conversation about careers, culture, leadership, and the future of digital design inside global organizations.

Michael Kruza
Head of Design Operations & Insights, is a design and transformation leader with over 15 years of experience driving customer experience innovation across Europe. As Head of Design Operations & Insights at Deutsche Telekom, he leads high-performing international teams and large-scale transformation initiatives focused on customer intelligence, experience excellence, and scaling design as a strategic business capability.

Ole Heydekamp
is a KISD graduate and Vice President Digital Design at Deutsche Telekom, where he leads an international team of more than 40 designers shaping digital products and experiences. With over 20 years of experience in UX, CX and digital innovation, his work focuses on design leadership, collaboration and building strong international teams.

Pic. 2: Michael Kruza
Pic. 3: Ole Heydekamp
All pictures © Deutsche Telekom AG