Etsy appoints Rafe Colburn to oversee both product and engineering functions under a single executive, effective September 8, 2025. Colburn expands his current role as Chief Technology Officer to include complete oversight of the product organization. Read more about Etsy leadership changes.
Leadership Transition at Etsy
This appointment follows the departure of Nick Daniel, who has served as Chief Product Officer for nearly ten years. Daniel’s final day in the role is September 5, but he will remain an advisor through October to ensure a smooth transition. Etsy leadership praised his contributions to product innovation, the seller experience, and overall platform growth.
Rafe Colburn’s Expanded Responsibilities
Colburn is widely recognized within Etsy for his deep understanding of the company’s unique marketplace and for scaling complex two-sided platforms. Under his expanded remit, he will ensure that technology and product innovation translate into seamless and intuitive shopping experiences for millions of users worldwide. This approach aligns with Etsy’s mission to empower creative entrepreneurs while maintaining trust and engagement across its communities.
Focus on Personalization and Emerging Technology
Reflecting on his new role, Colburn emphasized the distinctiveness of Etsy’s inventory and the human connections between buyers and independent creators. He highlighted opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to enhance personalization, making shopping more engaging while preserving the qualities that define Etsy’s brand. Explore Etsy’s marketplace here.
Company Confidence and Vision
Company leadership expressed strong confidence in Colburn’s ability to inspire teams and develop user experiences that support growth at this pivotal moment. Etsy aims to reinvigorate its marketplace through enhanced personalization, improved ease of use, and a platform built on creativity and trust.
Rafe Colburn’s Background
Before this appointment, Colburn served as Chief Technology Officer at Etsy and previously as Chief Product and Technology Officer at Depop. His career includes leading engineering and product teams focused on ads, fulfillment, marketing technology, and trust & safety initiatives. Colburn has also authored multiple articles and books on web development, further demonstrating his thought leadership in the field.
About Etsy
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, Etsy operates global online marketplaces connecting creative entrepreneurs with buyers seeking unique products. Its mission, “Keep Commerce Human,” emphasizes responsible business practices. Etsy also owns Depop, a resale fashion platform that benefits from shared expertise in product, technology, and customer support.
