Executive Overview
Joseph Higgins is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Nostra AI, a fast-growing New York-based technology company specializing in website performance optimization for enterprise retailers and emerging startups. Higgins operates out of New York, NY, and brings over 12 years of experience in digital media, e-commerce, and data engineering to his current executive leadership role.
Current Role at Nostra AI
As CTO, Joseph Higgins leads Nostra AI’s engineering efforts, focusing on building and scaling the company’s proprietary Edge Delivery Engine™—technology designed to optimize website speed, SEO performance, and personalization for enterprise clients. Nostra AI’s platform supports over 300 leading brands, including clients such as Jolie, BRUNT, Glamnetic, Cozy Earth, and Mila. The company’s mission centers on empowering brands to deliver lightning-fast, highly engaging online experiences that drive conversions and revenue growth.
Higgins’s appointment was noted publicly on May 21, 2024, when he joined the executive team to help accelerate the organization's roadmap for direct-to-consumer (DTC) website speed innovation. His strategic vision and technical leadership are positioned as crucial to expanding Nostra AI’s impact and product suite for a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.
Professional Background
Previous Leadership Positions
- Vox Media (Chief Architect): Managed technical strategy for a media portfolio reaching 130 million monthly users. Oversaw the development of headless and white-labeled platforms for premier brands like NYMag and The Verge, prioritizing website speed, bespoke content, and brand identity.
- Group Nine Media (VP of Engineering, Sr. Director of Client Engineering): Led engineering teams in digital media transformation and client-centric development.
- JackThreads (Director of Front-End Engineering): Focused on e-commerce front-end performance and architectural innovation.
- Thrillist (Lead Developer, Web Applications Developer): Early career roles in dynamic web applications development for major media brands.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick
Leadership and Technical Focus
Higgins is recognized as a passionate engineering leader who combines deep hands-on experience with a strategic perspective in data engineering, website architecture, and e-commerce enablement. He is credited with building scalable digital platforms and delivering results in high-growth, consumer-facing environments. His expertise encompasses:
- Scalable Systems Design
- Digital Media Infrastructure
- E-Commerce Technology
- Front-End Performance Optimization
- Bespoke Content Delivery
At Nostra AI, Higgins is tasked with driving product innovation, enhancing engineering processes, and ensuring the continued scalability of Nostra’s solutions. His leadership is integral to maintaining Nostra’s reputation as a technology provider capable of improving both conversion metrics and revenue for its client base.
Key Industry Relationships and Team Structure
Nostra AI’s executive team includes notable leaders such as:
- Arthur Root – Chief Executive Officer
- Eli Adler – Chief Operating Officer
- Daren Limas – VP of Business Development
- Ray Chau – Head of Marketing
- Mik Gustin – Head of Growth
- Harry Abram – Head of Operations
The company is backed by high-profile investors (e.g., High Alpha, Sugar Capital, Signal Peak Ventures, Good Friends, Crosscut) and benefits from a board and network of industry experts, providing deep connections to e-commerce, digital retail, and SaaS innovation ecosystems.
Location and Network
- Location: New York, NY, United States
- Professional Network: Connected to senior leaders and technologists across digital media, commerce, and SaaS industries. Active collaborator with C-level peers, product, marketing, and data science teams.
Summary of Insights
- Joseph Higgins delivers a rare blend of technical expertise, executive leadership, and a proven record in scaling next-generation web platforms.
- His current mandate at Nostra AI positions him as a crucial influencer over technology strategy, product development, and the company’s value delivery to major enterprise and DTC clients.
- He has demonstrated capability both in building teams and engineering products that drive measurable improvements in digital performance and user engagement.
Relevant Links:
- [LinkedIn Profile](http://www.linkedin.com/in/jhigginsiii)
- [Nostra AI – Meet the Team](https://www.nostra.ai/meet-the-team)