Etsy Brings Rafe Colburn on Board as CTO
Etsy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ETSY) has proudly appointed Rafe Colburn as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This significant leadership change marks an exciting new chapter for the company as it aims to strengthen its online marketplaces that connect millions of creative buyers and sellers worldwide.
Rafe Colburn's extensive background in technology leadership makes him a perfect fit for this role. Before joining Etsy, he served as the Chief Technology & Product Officer at Depop, where he played an instrumental role in scaling the technology team to accommodate rapid growth. His efforts at Depop transformed the customer experience, transitioning it into a more app-centered and discovery-based format.
Prior to his time at Depop, Colburn was a key player at Etsy for nearly a decade. During his tenure, he spearheaded engineering teams during crucial times of growth and change, focusing on various areas essential to the company’s success, including advertising, marketing technology, seller experience, trust and safety, localization, and customer support.
Vision and Impact
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Josh Silverman, CEO of Etsy, stated, "The magic of Etsy lies in our ability to leverage technology to forge meaningful human connections." He acknowledged Colburn's track record of successfully setting technical strategies that enhance the connection between buyers and Etsy’s vibrant global seller community. Silverman believes that Colburn's clear vision for developing unique, personalized shopping experiences will be invaluable as Etsy strives to reignite growth and establish itself as a leader in the online marketplace.
In response to his appointment, Colburn said, "I'm honored to take on this role and work alongside Etsy's talented team. The evolving technology landscape presents an incredible opportunity for us to reshape the shopping experience, communicate with buyers in deeper ways, and help our sellers achieve greater economic success." His commitment to innovation and community empowerment resonates with Etsy's mission.
Colburn's Background and Experience
Rafe Colburn's career showcases a robust foundation in technology and product development. At Depop, he oversaw the product and design functions, ensuring a cohesive and engaging end-to-end user experience. His leadership fostered a high-performing product organization dedicated to meeting user needs.
Colburn previously held the position of Vice President of Engineering at Etsy, where he guided multiple teams focused on crucial services such as Ads, Fulfillment, Seller Experience, Marketing Technology, and Landing Experiences. He was pivotal in initiating Etsy's Data Engineering team and overseeing critical areas including Payments, Checkout, International operations, and Trust & Safety engineering.
Transitioning Leadership at Depop
The appointment of Colburn comes alongside another significant leadership change at Depop. Peter Semple has been named interim CEO of Depop, effective May 5, 2025. Semple, who serves as Chief Marketing Officer, will operate in this role until a permanent successor is chosen. This transitional leadership aims to ensure continuity and strategic focus as Depop looks to its future.
As part of these transitions, Kruti Patel Goyal, the former CEO of Depop, will assume a new role at Etsy as President and Chief Growth Officer. This realignment of leadership is designed to leverage the combined strengths of both companies to enhance the overall marketplace strategy.
About Etsy
Etsy, Inc. operates online marketplaces that foster connections between millions of passionate buyers and creative sellers globally, with a mission to "Keep Commerce Human." Etsy.com stands out as a premier destination for unique, handcrafted items, attracting buyers looking for inspiration and distinctive products.
The company not only supports its own platform but also encompasses a diverse portfolio of brands, including fashion resale marketplace Depop and Reverb, a premier online marketplace for music gear. Each platform operates independently, benefiting from shared knowledge in product development, marketing, technology, and customer support.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Brooklyn, Etsy continues to uphold its core values of community and innovation. The company is dedicated to empowering individuals through creative business practices, fostering economic opportunities, and enhancing user experiences in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rafe Colburn?
Rafe Colburn is the newly appointed Chief Technology Officer at Etsy, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles at Depop and Etsy.
What will Colburn focus on in his new role at Etsy?
He will focus on transforming the shopping experience, leveraging technology, and enhancing connections with buyers and sellers in the Etsy community.
What did Josh Silverman say about Colburn’s appointment?
Josh Silverman stated that Colburn's ability to leverage technology to connect people is essential for Etsy's growth and further development.
What other leadership changes are happening at Etsy?
Peter Semple has been appointed interim CEO of Depop, while Kruti Patel Goyal transitions to President and Chief Growth Officer at Etsy.
What is Etsy's mission?
Etsy aims to “Keep Commerce Human,” focusing on empowering communities and enhancing the overall user experience on its platforms.
