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Charles Roels
Head of Product at so-sure, mentor, #Nerd, InsurTech
Professional Background
Charles Roels is a distinguished product builder with a diverse and robust career encompassing over two decades in the technology sector. As the current Head of Product at SO-SURE, he brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles across various tech startups throughout Europe, Africa, and the United States. His expertise lies in user experience (UX), product strategy, and engagement, particularly in the realm of mobile applications.
Before taking on the pivotal role at SO-SURE, Charles served as Senior Product Lead Engagement at Memrise and VP of Product Management at OneDome, where he demonstrated his capacity to lead product initiatives and to elevate user engagement significantly. His leadership extended to executive positions, including Head of Product and Programme Management at Secret Escapes, where he contributed to the innovative growth of the company, earning recognition as a Bloomberg Business Innovator in 2016. Charles co-founded www.mystuart.be, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit, and has worked with numerous renowned organizations, fulfilling critical roles including Product & Project Manager at Vodafone Group Services and Digital Product Consultant at Contractor.
Charles's career is marked by a series of awards recognizing his contributions to product development and innovation. Noteworthy accolades like the 2006 and 2007 Music Week Award for 3MusicStore—the world's first DRM-free digital music store—highlight his pivotal role in transforming the music distribution landscape. His successful initiatives, such as those at TDC Play, contributed to the brand's visibility, earning a Meffy Award and features in major publications.
Education and Achievements
Education has played a significant part in shaping Charles's career. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Music from Henley Business School, alongside extensive studies in Software Engineering and Business Economics from the University Of Antwerp and Erasmushogeschool Brussel. His academic journey is complemented by diverse learning experiences in Marketing, Design, and Communications, demonstrating his holistic approach to product development.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Charles contributes to the academic community as a guest lecturer on Product Management at the Vega School (IIE) in Cape Town. His commitment to educating the next generation of innovators reflects his passion for mentorship and thought leadership.
Charles has also made literary contributions, co-authoring books such as "Indistractable" with the esteemed Nir Eyal and taking preliminary steps towards authoring his own book, further establishing him as an influential voice in product management.
Achievements
- Awards and Recognitions: Charles's track record includes prestigious awards such as the 2018 Sunday Times “One to Watch” for Memrise and the title of Most Disruptive Insurance Tech Start-Up 2020 for SO-SURE at the GLEA. His achievements underscore a consistent pattern of innovation and excellence in the product landscape.
- Innovative Product Frameworks: He is known for developing his unique product approach, RADICAL, alongside a product prioritization and strategy framework rooted in Prof. Tovstiga's insights. These frameworks exemplify his strategic mindset and ability to drive impactful product decisions.
- Diverse Skill Set: Throughout his career, Charles has demonstrated exceptional skills in product management, strategic planning, and user engagement. His experience spans across various sectors, giving him unique insights into user needs and market trends, essential for developing products that resonate with real people.
- Thought Leadership and Public Speaking: Charles frequently shares his expertise in public forums, enriching discussions about product strategy and B2C engagement. His approachable style makes complex concepts accessible, fostering an environment of curiosity and learning.
In summary, Charles Roels is a highly accomplished product management professional whose career reflects a commitment to excellence, creativity, and education within the tech industry. His leadership at SO-SURE and his ongoing contributions to academia and literature signify his unwavering dedication to making a difference through thoughtful and impactful product innovation.
