Etsy appointed a former PayPal executive to head technology, naming Mike Fisher its new Chief Technology Officer, effective immediately. Fisher will report to Etsy’s new CEO Josh Silverman and is tasked with, among other things, evolving Etsy’s technology strategy, and driving execution on Etsy’s roadmap “to help create the world’s best buying and selling experience.”
Fisher replaces John Allspaw who left the company in May as part of the management shakeup and subsequent layoffs that included CEO Chad Dickerson ouster.
Fisher had helped Dickerson when the latter first joined Etsy as its chief Technology Officer, according to AFK Partners website.
Press release follows:
Etsy, Inc., which builds markets, services, and economic opportunity for creative entrepreneurs, today announced it has appointed Mike Fisher as Chief Technology Officer, effective immediately. Mike brings over 20 years of experience to Etsy. He will report directly to Josh Silverman, Etsy’s Chief Executive Officer, and join Etsy’s executive team.
As CTO, Mike will be responsible for evolving our technology strategy, scaling our IT systems and infrastructure, deepening our machine learning expertise, and driving execution on our roadmap to help create the world’s best buying and selling experience.
Josh said, “During our extensive search for a CTO, Mike emerged as the natural choice given his track record of scaling complex global platforms, his proven ability to guide transformation at leading tech companies, and his deep understanding of consumer commerce. Over the past few weeks, Mike has served as a consultant to Etsy; he has proven himself as a strong partner to the executive team and helped drive execution and focus across our tech organization. I’m delighted to officially welcome Mike on board and look forward to his contributions to Etsy’s core marketplace.”
“Etsy has a reputation as a world-class and innovative engineering organization. In addition to tackling some of the most compelling challenges within e-commerce, Etsy is helping pave the way for creative entrepreneurs to have successful, global businesses. I’m excited to join this immensely talented and growing team,” said Mike.
Mike’s distinguished and diverse experience spans from Fortune 500 companies to startups. Most recently, he was the co-founder and managing partner of the consulting firm AKF Partners. During this time, he advised Etsy on several key projects. His career in technology has also included the roles of Chief Technology Officer of Quigo, Vice President of Engineering & Architecture for PayPal, and various roles at General Electric helping to develop the company’s technology strategy. He has also co-authored two books on scalability and has written numerous articles on business growth. Mike is a veteran, who served as a Captain and pilot in the US Army.
SOURCE: Etsy Press Release
