Jim Mainard

Jim Mainard

CTO, EVP Deep Technology

Responsible in dual role heading the operational technology infrastructure for the foundation as well as oversee prize development and execution in emerging / deep technologies including AI/ML, remote sensing haptic robotics, and quantum computing.

Prior, Jim was the President of the global technology acceleration at Shiseido chartered to deliver advanced technologies in support of Shiseido’s global prestige brand portfolio. The focus of this team is to build new disruptive IP and integrate existing emerging technologies to form best in class consumer experiences to serve the beauty and skincare.   Before joining Shiseido, Jim cofounded Connected Travel, LLC serving major insurance and automobile companies in creating and operating connected vehicle experiences. Prior, Jim held several executive roles at DreamWorks and DreamWorks Animation as EVP Digital Strategy fostering, developing, and investing in digital technologies to further business interests, SVP Production Development where he launched new visualization technologies for film making (motion capture, virtual sets, and stereoscopy), and SVP R&D in which he drove the company’s substantial investment in visual effects tools and pipelines. He was a Cofounder and former Chairman of the Advanced Imaging Society serving the Entertainment industry, and CTO of MGO, which was acquired by, and became Fandango’s online movie business Fandango Now. Credited on more than twenty major films, a Broadway musical, and several made for television shows, Jim has deep roots developing and adapting technology in service to creative expression.

Jim made the transition to the entertainment industry after spending 13 years in the field of Aerospace. Prior to joining DreamWorks, Jim worked as a Senior Systems Engineer at TRW for the Hubble Space Telescope Ground Station. Among many roles during his tenure at TRW, Jim redesigned tactical mapping software relied upon by the U.S. Army and Navy and was principle in the creation and establishment of the Tactical Aircraft Mission Planning System (TAMPS) used in all fixed and rotary wing aircrafts