Etsy Inc. Announces Leadership Transition: Rafe Colburn Takes on Expanded Role

Etsy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ETSY), known for its vibrant online marketplaces connecting creative buyers and sellers, has announced a significant leadership change. Effective September 8, 2025, Rafe Colburn, the company's current Chief Technology Officer, will transition to the role of Chief Product and Technology Officer. This strategic move comes as Etsy continues to enhance its platform and user experience amid growing competition and evolving market demands.

Colburn's appointment follows the departure of Nick Daniel, Etsy's outgoing Chief Product Officer, who has decided to pursue new opportunities. Daniel's last day with the company will be September 5, 2025, although he will remain on board in an advisory capacity until October to ensure a smooth transition.

Kruti Patel Goyal, Etsy's President and Chief Growth Officer, expressed her confidence in Colburn’s ability to navigate this pivotal moment for the company. “Rafe truly understands the needs of the Etsy community, has a proven track record of scaling two-sided marketplaces, and motivates and inspires teams to deliver outstanding user experiences,” Goyal stated.

Rafe Colburn brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Before becoming Chief Technology Officer, he held the position of Chief Product and Technology Officer at Depop, where he was instrumental in shaping the company’s end-to-end user experience. His prior experience at Etsy includes serving as Vice President of Engineering, where he led various teams focused on Ads, Fulfilment, Seller Experience, and Trust & Safety engineering.

In his new expanded role, Colburn will be responsible for overseeing the product and engineering organizations within the Etsy marketplace, reporting directly to Goyal. His vision includes leveraging emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to enhance the shopping experience for Etsy’s diverse customer base.

In his statement regarding the new position, Colburn acknowledged the unique nature of Etsy’s marketplace, emphasizing the ability to connect with the artisans behind the products. "I'm incredibly excited to step into this expanded role at such a pivotal moment. We have a tremendous opportunity to harness AI and other emerging technologies to make the shopping experience even more personal, more intuitive, and more delightful—while staying true to what makes Etsy so special," he remarked.

Goyal also took the opportunity to thank Nick Daniel for his substantial contributions during his tenure at Etsy. Over the past decade, Daniel has been at the forefront of several notable launches and has significantly enhanced the shopping experience on the platform. His leadership has been pivotal in expanding Etsy's services, and Goyal wished him well in his future endeavors.

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, Etsy operates two-sided online marketplaces that connect millions of passionate buyers and creative sellers globally. The company's mission is to "Keep Commerce Human," emphasizing the importance of community and personal connections in the marketplace. In addition to the Etsy marketplace, the company also owns the fashion resale platform Depop, which operates independently but benefits from shared expertise across product, marketing, and technology.

This leadership transition comes at a critical time for Etsy as it seeks to enhance its platform and drive growth in a competitive e-commerce landscape. With Rafe Colburn at the helm of product and technology, the company is poised to capitalize on new opportunities and continue fostering meaningful connections between buyers and sellers.