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Christina Stensvaag
Digital Product Management - eCommerce Innovation - Consumer Experience
Professional Background
Christina Stensvaag is a distinguished leader in eCommerce and digital product management, dedicated to enhancing customer experiences for mission-driven specialty retail companies. With a robust background in creating beautifully intuitive digital product experiences, Christina excels at crafting experiences that yield meaningful impacts on business success. Her expertise spans various domains including eCommerce strategy, product design, and user experience, making her a pivotal figure in the digital product landscape.
As the Vice President of Product Management at Shopstyle, Inc., Christina spearheads the development of innovative digital products that resonate with customer needs, ensuring that her teams deliver high-quality user-centered designs. She encourages a collaborative environment where product management and design teams work closely with engineering departments, leveraging her comprehensive understanding of emerging technologies. Christina has also made significant contributions to companies such as Sephora, American Eagle Outfitters Inc., and True Botanicals, where she held various leadership positions in digital product management.
Her professional journey is marked by a commitment to enhancing customer journeys through the integration of data-driven decision-making and empathetic design. Christina's belief in the holistic customer journey informs her approach to product development, wherein she skillfully aligns businesses' objectives with meaningful consumer experiences. This focus has driven the success of multiple retail brands under her leadership.
Education and Achievements
Christina's academic foundation is built on a Bachelor of Arts in History, Theatre, and Communications from the University of California, Davis. This unique blend of disciplines contributes to her holistic understanding of storytelling, effective communication, and historical context within the retail industry, enriching her capabilities in product strategy and user engagement.
Throughout her career, Christina has been recognized for her ability to cultivate and expand high-performing product management teams. She champions the philosophy of “Don’t Ship the Org Chart,” believing in developing leaders from within and hiring exceptional talent to create a culture rooted in collaboration and innovation. Her leadership style is characterized by Radical Candor, promoting open communication and genuine feedback, both vital in fostering a thriving workplace culture.
In the realms of emerging technology, Christina has experimented actively with augmented reality for virtual try-ons, alternative payment integrations, and personalized customer experiences through big data analytics. Her foresight in adapting to changing digital landscapes has positioned her teams at the forefront of industry trends, particularly in areas like loyalty programs and social commerce through platforms like Instagram.
Achievements
Christina Stensvaag has amassed a wealth of experience over her impressive career timeline, serving in key roles across several prominent organizations:
- Vice President of Product Management at Shopstyle, Inc.
- Product Advisor and Mentor | Angel Investor | Venture Partner at various companies, where she has contributed her extensive knowledge to cultivate new talent and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Executive Consultant in platform strategy and infrastructure at First Retail Inc., guiding loyalty ecosystems.
- Vice President of Product at True Botanicals, where she focused on cultivating innovative product lines.
- Vice President of Digital Product Management for site and mobile apps at Sephora, leading initiatives that transformed how beauty products were marketed and sold online.
- Senior Director and Head of Digital Product Management at American Eagle Outfitters Inc., enhancing the retail experience for consumers through efficient digital channels.
- Various roles at Realpage including Vice President of Consumer Product Management, leading teams that improved customer engagement and retention.
- Group Product Manager for site eCommerce customer experiences at Walmart Ecommerce, driving initiatives that optimized eCommerce offerings.
- Principal Consultant for consumer internet and product marketing at Plumb Ideas, advising clients on effective digital strategies.
- Managing Director of Product and Business Development at Monster, where she guided product innovation and market strategies.
Christina also gained foundational experience as a Product Specialist: Intranet at Cisco and served as an Intern: Employee Communications Coordinator at Sgi, laying the groundwork for her future in product management.
With a passion for supporting start-ups and advising entrepreneurs, Christina actively contributes her insights to the broader community, fostering innovation in digital product development and eCommerce strategy. Her mentorship and thought leadership extend beyond her roles, inspiring future generations of product managers and designers to prioritize user experience and effective team dynamics.
In summary, Christina Stensvaag is a trailblazer in the digital retail space, combining her rich expertise in eCommerce with a deep understanding of user experience and empathy-led design. Her career highlights a commitment to innovation, leadership, and a genuine passion for delivering extraordinary product experiences in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.
