We are excited to announce the exceptional winners of the 2024 PLA Awards!

These awards recognize remarkable achievements in product-led growth. Whether you've transformed your onboarding experience, driven exceptional user engagement, or led a successful product-led initiative, it’s time to highlight your incredible accomplishments.

Today, we will unveil the winners across the following categories:

  • Product-Led Leader of the Year
  • Chief Product Officer of the Year
  • AI Product Innovation of the Year
  • Product Operations Leader of the Year
  • Product-Led Rising Star
  • Product Operations Rising Star
  • Product Team of the Year

Let's dive right in.

The Product Leader of the Year 

This award goes beyond simply leading a team; it recognizes the rare ability to inspire, guide, and turn a vision into reality. This accolade celebrates those who not only chart the course but also adeptly navigate challenges, maximizing the potential of their teams and the products they develop.

And the award goes to…

🏆 Nikhil Varshney, Platform Product Manager at Wayfair. 

Nikhil exemplifies excellence in product leadership. Renowned for his ability to balance visionary thinking with practical execution, Nikhil has consistently driven impactful platform innovations that streamline operations and enhance user experience. His collaborative approach fosters cross-functional alignment, while his deep understanding of customer needs ensures that every product decision delivers tangible value. 

By championing inclusivity, mentorship, and a culture of continuous improvement, Nikhil has not only elevated Wayfair’s product strategy but has also inspired his team and peers across the industry. These qualities make him a standout recipient of the Product Leader of the Year award.

The Chief Product Officer of the Year 

Let’s recognize the pivotal role of a leader who shapes the vision and strategy for product innovation. This accolade celebrates individuals who not only define the product roadmap but also foster a culture of collaboration and creativity within their teams. 

We’re thrilled to announce the award goes to…

🏆 Sumaiya Noor, Chief Product Officer at Mpowa.

Sumaiya has redefined what it means to lead with innovation and purpose. Her exceptional ability to craft and execute bold product strategies has not only driven remarkable business growth but also set new standards for customer-centric excellence. Sumaiya’s leadership style blends strategic foresight with a commitment to empowering her teams, fostering a culture of impact. 

By championing inclusivity and driving transformative change, she has elevated her organization’s product vision to new heights, solidifying her role as a trailblazer in the industry. It’s this blend of brilliance and humanity that makes Sumaiya Noor a deserving winner of the Chief Product Officer of the Year award.

The AI Product Innovation of the Year 

Time to celebrate groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence that redefine user experiences and transform industries. This accolade honors those who leverage AI technology to create innovative products that deliver exceptional value and drive business growth. 

And we’re delighted to announce the winner…

🏆 Hubert Palan, Founder & CEO at Productboard.

Hubert has earned the title of AI Product Innovator of the Year by revolutionizing how teams build customer-centric products. Under his leadership, Productboard has seamlessly integrated AI-driven insights to empower product teams with smarter prioritization and more precise decision-making. 

Hubert’s visionary approach to leveraging AI not only enhances product management processes but also bridges the gap between customer needs and actionable strategies. His relentless focus on innovation, coupled with a deep commitment to driving value for users, has set a new benchmark for AI application in product development. Hubert’s impact on the industry makes him a standout choice for this award.

The Product Operations Leader of the Year 

This award honors those who excel in streamlining processes and enhancing the efficiency of product teams. This accolade recognizes individuals who have mastered the art of operational excellence, ensuring that product development runs smoothly and effectively while fostering collaboration across departments.

And the winner is, drum roll please…

🏆 Shelly La Rock, Head of Product Operations and Delivery Excellence at Autodesk.

Shelly has redefined the role of product operations, making her a standout choice for Product Operations Leader of the Year. With a relentless focus on streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and driving delivery excellence, Shelly has elevated Autodesk's product teams to new heights of efficiency and impact. 

Her strategic leadership has helped cross-functional alignment, empowered teams to overcome complex challenges, and created a culture of operational excellence. By blending innovation with execution, Shelly has demonstrated the transformative power of product operations, making her an exemplary leader and deserving recipient of this award.

The Product-Led Rising Star

Let’s shine a spotlight on emerging talent who are making significant strides in the product management landscape. This accolade recognizes individuals at the beginning of their careers who demonstrate exceptional potential, creativity, and impact within the realm of product-led growth.

We’re excited to announce the winner as…

🏆 Cindy Camacho, Founder at VOC strategies.

Cindy has rapidly emerged as a trailblazer. Her innovative approach to product management has driven significant growth at VivoAquatics, seamlessly blending customer-centricity with strategic execution. Her ability to identify opportunities, deliver impactful solutions, and ignite a collaborative product culture has set her apart as a rising leader in the field. 

Cindy’s dedication to leveraging product-led strategies to drive value and her commitment to continuous learning and mentorship highlight her extraordinary potential. This award recognizes her remarkable achievements and her bright future as a product leader.

The Product Operations Rising Star 

This award recognizes the dynamic individuals redefining the role of product operations. This accolade honors those who, early in their careers, are already making significant contributions to streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and driving efficiency within product teams.

We’re thrilled to announce the winner as…

🏆 Joni Saylor, Vice President at IBM.

Joni has made an extraordinary impact in product operations. With a sharp focus on optimizing processes, Joni has transformed how IBM's teams operate, driving measurable improvements in efficiency and innovation. Her visionary approach to aligning product operations with strategic goals has empowered teams to deliver exceptional results while navigating complex challenges. 

Joni’s leadership style, combining empathy and strategic thinking, has not only elevated IBM’s operational excellence but also established her as a rising force in the product operations field. This award celebrates her outstanding contributions and future potential as a transformative leader.

The Product Team of the Year 

Let's celebrate the collaborative spirit and exceptional achievements of a product team that has consistently demonstrated excellence in product development and delivery. This accolade honors teams that have worked harmoniously to innovate, overcome challenges, and drive meaningful impact within their organizations.

Drum roll for the winner, please…

🏆 Ashlee Richards, VP of Products at Kentucky Lottery Corporation

Ashlee has played a pivotal role in leading her team. Under her guidance, the team has exemplified excellence in collaboration, innovation, and execution, delivering exceptional results for customers and stakeholders. Ashlee's ability to align cross-functional efforts and foster a shared vision has empowered the team to tackle complex challenges with precision and creativity. 

By championing a customer-first mindset and leveraging strategic insights, Ashlee and her team have set a new standard for what a high-performing product team can achieve. This award recognizes their collective impact and outstanding success.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and celebrate the incredible talent in our community. Your participation helped shine a spotlight on the leaders, innovators, and rising stars shaping the future of product management and operations. 

Congratulations to all the winners—you inspire us with your dedication, creativity, and impact. We’re thrilled to honor your achievements and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next. 

Stay tuned for next year’s awards, where we’ll continue to recognize and celebrate the best in the industry. See you in 2025! 🚀