Piers Thomas began his career as Designer at Large at Patagonia, a cross-category role created to operate spanning technical and lifestyle product categories. In 2000, he established Random Moment Limited as an independent consultancy, assembling and leading virtual teams to deliver product development, design leadership and innovation strategy for clients internationally across the UK and Europe, the United States and New Zealand. He has worked with organisations ranging from early-stage ventures to global brands, always at moments of transition, turnaround or category expansion. His practice is informed by an interest in the culture of sport, the commercial systems that shape performance products, and the psychology of both athletes and consumers.

Commercial outcomes include the re-establishment and expansion of Helly Hansen’s marine and watersports product direction, contributing to commercial growth and the long-term continuation of the category within the business. After leaving California in 2000, he spent the intervening years working in New Zealand and Europe. He later applied that experience at Patagonia (2005–2008), where he helped reposition the brand for the European market, created the Europe and Japan sportswear range, and originated the Adult Better Sweater category. The category later scaled globally to approximately $75m in annual sales by 2016, with core styles remaining in-line more than 17 years.

Alongside commercial work, he has contributed patented product innovation and award-recognised environmental product development. He also serves as an Innovate UK grant assessor and has undertaken expert witness work in technology and intellectual property proceedings.