Linktree adds three new senior leaders

Australian-based Linktree has appointed Jiaona “JZ” Zhang as its new chief product officer alongside landing two tech leads as the company builds out its machine learning, personalisation and AI capabilities.

JZ officially kicked off work in the company’s fourth quarter late last year with Linktree CEO and co-founder Alex Zaccaria stating, “Her extensive experience in product strategy and development, as well as her passion for creating innovative and user-centric solutions, aligns perfectly with our mission at Linktree.” 

Linktree spokesperson told Digital Nation JZ will report to Zaccaria and replaces Sam Rogoway who previously departed the company.

“JZ left a great impression and really wowed Alex, the executive leadership team, and the board during the search for Linktree’s next product leader,” the spokesperson said.  

“Her main priority is leading the strategy, build and execution of product development for the Linktree product, essentially focusing on what we can build and how we can make our platform work harder to super-serve the 45 million plus Linkers already on Linktree.”

“This year we have a very strong focus on social commerce. There’s already a lot of shopping taking place on Linktree – in fact, by our estimates, our Linkers are driving over $6 billion annually in sales via the platform, but we know that’s just the start. 

“We’re looking at all ways to improve the social commerce experience for creators and help them unlock more money and higher earning potential,” the Linktree spokesperson said. 

Alongside the new CPO, Linktree also appointed two new personalisation Leads with Martin Gould and Johnny Hunter joining the team.

The spokesperson said they will “focus on how ML, AI, and personalisation can unlock step-change innovations for Linktree.” 

“As entrepreneurs, they understand the importance and intricacies of these areas and will use this expertise to shape what this will look like for Linktree.

 “Social commerce is a big focus for Linktree currently and so Martin and Johnny have already started digging deeper into it to understand how Linktree can super-serve Linkers through a new advanced marketplace that will drive monetisation opportunities and reach,” the Linktree spokesperson said.

Gould and Hunter are both based in London however will be spending a significant amount of time in both Australia and California, where Linktree’s US hub is based.

“As a Collingswood, Victoria-founded company looking after our Linkers in Australia will always be the highest priority,” the Linktree spokesperson said.  

“JZ, Martin, and Johnny’s roles will be focused on improving the product to make the best product possible for all 46 million plus Linkers around the world.

“These leaders will drive the strategy, but collaborate with our teams around the world (in the US, Australia and Europe) to continue building products and tools that empower our Linkers to curate, grow and monetize their digital presence.”

The spokesperson added it is “key” for the company to “remain an Australian company, not just with half of our team here, but also with our company culture.”

“As an Aussie company, we are committed to the Australian market, maintaining a strong presence here and we will continue to call Australia home,” the spokesperson said.

The Linktree representative also stated, “There are no plans for a reduction in workforce at this time.”

Linktree slashed 27 percent of its team in June last year, mainly from its Australian and New Zealand employees as it continues to focus on the market opportunity in the US.