Ryan Donovan
Chief Product and Technology Officer
Professional Overview
Ryan Donovan is an accomplished technology executive with over 25 years of experience driving innovation and leading high-performing teams in the SaaS and software industries. As the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Thinkific, he is responsible for overseeing the company's product strategy, software development, and technology infrastructure to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide. Donovan's deep expertise in product management, digital transformation, and agile methodologies has made him a sought-after advisor and fractional executive for startups and scale-ups.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Thinkific's Chief Product and Technology Officer, Donovan is spearheading the company's product roadmap and technology vision to support its rapid growth. He has implemented agile development practices and a customer-centric product management approach, resulting in the successful launch of several award-winning features that have enhanced the platform's capabilities and user experience. Under Donovan's leadership, Thinkific has achieved significant improvements in customer satisfaction, user engagement, and revenue growth.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Thinkific, Donovan served as the Chief Product and Technology Officer at GRIN, where he led the company's digital transformation and helped it become a market leader in the influencer marketing space. Before that, he held the role of Chief Product and Technology Officer at Hootsuite, where he oversaw the development and integration of the company's social media management platform, driving innovation and expanding its global user base. Donovan's earlier career includes positions as the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Sitecore, where he was instrumental in the company's growth and international expansion, and as a Technology Advisor on the Board of Directors at Tomoye Community Software.
Academic Background
Donovan holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Bellevue College, where he also served as an Associate Faculty member, sharing his expertise in software engineering and project management with the next generation of technology professionals.
Areas of Expertise
- SaaS product strategy and roadmap development
- Agile software development and DevOps
- Digital transformation and technology modernization
- Customer-centric product management
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Donovan has demonstrated a proven track record of driving growth, improving operational efficiency, and delivering innovative solutions that have had a significant impact on the organizations and industries he has served. His ability to effectively bridge the gap between technology and business has earned him a reputation as a transformative leader who can consistently deliver results.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams, Ryan Donovan is well-positioned to continue making a lasting impact as the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Thinkific. His commitment to innovation, customer success, and digital transformation make him a valuable asset in today's rapidly evolving technology landscape.