Ben Shanken

Ben Shanken is the Vice President of Product at Discord, a position he has held since January 2021. In this role, he oversees various aspects of the platform, including safety, growth, data products, and core user experience. His leadership has been instrumental in building high-performing teams and fostering collaboration within the company.12

Background and Education

Ben has a strong academic background with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Computer Science from Washington University in St. Louis. He has accumulated extensive experience in product management and growth strategies, particularly during his tenure at Lyft, where he served as the Senior Director of Product and General Manager of the Ad Business. His work at Lyft involved significant contributions to growth platforms and user acquisition strategies, leading to substantial market share increases against competitors.13

Career Highlights

• Lyft: Before joining Discord, Ben held various roles at Lyft from 2015 to 2021, where he was pivotal in developing the company's advertising business and enhancing user engagement strategies.

• Angel Investor: In addition to his corporate roles, Ben is also active as an angel investor and growth advisor for several startups in the B2B SaaS and consumer sectors.1

Ben's combination of technical knowledge and strategic insight makes him a significant asset in the tech industry, particularly in product leadership roles.