Leaders in Innovation: NY Times VP of Product on Becoming Essential in a Crowded and Evolving Marketplace

Ken Houseman

NY Times, VP of Product

If it's unclear, challenging, daunting, or even considered "impossible"... then it's my kind of challenge. Led major initiatives, recovering over $20 million in annual invoice erosion and creating a forward-thinking $350 million global cloud data center build strategy, achieving a significant 30% reduction in payment costs. Orchestrated diverse teams within enterprise software and SaaS environments, using Agile methods to optimize product development, management, and strategic outcomes. Executed nuanced Profit and Loss (P&L) management with a distinct focus on organizational leadership. Spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring sustained growth and resilience in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Leverages experience to enhance commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in leadership. Committed to fostering a workplace culture valuing differences and recognizing diversity as a pivotal driver of innovation. Guides strategic DEIA initiatives, leading to tangible enhancements in organizational performance through a holistic approach. Focused on sharing insights and collaborating on challenges within the digital commerce realm, open to speaking engagements at events, and exploring collaborative opportunities to address technical and industry-wide issues.

About the host

Lisa Mitnick

Americas Portfolio Lead

Lisa is Executive Vice President of Capgemini, where she serves as the Americas Portfolio Lead. Prior to this role, Lisa served as Global Offer leader for Intelligent Products and Services, helping companies identify and drive new profitable revenue streams through business model innovation and next generation connected products and services. Lisa is an accomplished leader with a track record of 20-plus years launching and scaling new digital businesses with deep experience in strategy, M&A, alliances, product management, and business development. She has worked across communications, media, technology, health, and government sectors, harnessing the power of technology to bring value-added services to customers. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences on topics including IOT, digital transformation, and connected products and is an advocate for digital equity and inclusion. Lisa earned her BA in Asian Studies from The University of Pennsylvania and MBA from The Wharton School of Business.