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Gretchen Howard

Board Member

Gretchen Howard is a recently appointed member of Thumbtack's Board of Directors, joining in February 2024.1 She brings extensive experience in leadership roles at prominent technology and financial companies. Here's an overview of her background and current positions:

Professional Experience

Former Chief Operating Officer at Robinhood:

  • Served as COO for five years
  • Oversaw key functions including brokerage, compliance, HR, customer trust and safety, and business strategy
  • Helped lead the company through its IPO in 202112

Previous Roles:

  • Partner at CapitalG (Alphabet Inc.'s growth equity fund)
  • Senior management positions at Google
  • Leadership roles at Fidelity Investments23

Current Board Positions

  • Board Member at Thumbtack
    • Serves as Chair of the Board's Nominating and Governance Committee1
  • Board Member at AllTrails
  • Board Member at Flywire Corporation (FLYW)23

Education and Additional Involvement

  • B.A. from Williams College
  • M.B.A. from Harvard Business School
  • Trustee of Williams College
  • Former board member of the YMCA of San Francisco23

Expertise and Contributions

Gretchen Howard is known for her operational and strategic expertise, particularly in scaling companies and navigating complex business environments. Her appointment to Thumbtack's board comes as the company continues to expand its marketplace for home services, leveraging her experience to support growth initiatives.1

Highlights

Apr 3 · linkedin

Congratulations to Frances Frei and Anne Morriss for launching their new podcast, Fixable!  In this first episode they examine the importance of transparent communication in a complex environment. Take a listen...

https://lnkd.in/g8Hd3gWB #podcast #fixable #leadershipdevelopment

Mar 17 · linkedin

My beginning at Robinhood started with an undeniable draw to our bold mission - democratizing finance for all. From my first conversations with the founders we discussed how to manage to a high quality bar while moving at a fast velocity, and I was excited to put my experience in scaling companies to work.  

Now it’s time for another beginning. I have made the decision to retire and step back from my operating role at Robinhood. It’s the right time for me to shift to an advisor to ensure there is a smooth transition, and I am committed to setting up Robinhood for future success. In this next chapter, I am looking forward to having the time to pursue personal passions such as increased board work, signing up for new trail runs, and spending time traveling with my family.

Thank you to all the Hoodies who stay the course on behalf of our customers. That focus, that care, has been a source of encouragement for me, and I thank you for giving me the privilege of working alongside you. Please know that I will always be cheering on #robinhood and advocating for its success.

Related Questions

What are Gretchen Howard's main responsibilities at Thumbtack?
How did Gretchen Howard's role at Robinhood prepare her for her position at Thumbtack?
What are some of Gretchen Howard's notable achievements at Google and Fidelity Investments?
How does Gretchen Howard's experience at CapitalG influence her work at Thumbtack?
What is Gretchen Howard's vision for Thumbtack's future growth?
Gretchen Howard
Gretchen Howard, photo 1
Gretchen Howard, photo 2
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Location

San Francisco, California, United States