Rob LaPlaca

Rob LaPlaca began his career as a Frontend developer at top digital agencies such as R/GA and Huge, where he collaborated with cross-functional teams to create innovative experiences for major companies like Nike, Lexus, Pepsi, Chanel, Barnes and Noble, and Royal Caribbean. He gained expertise in projects of varying scales, from rapid prototyping to large-scale website redesigns, fostering a deep appreciation for good design and user experience.

Transitioning to Etsy after eight years in agency environments, Rob excelled as a full stack developer on an innovation-focused product team. He played a pivotal role in developing tools like a crowdfunding platform and a website builder to empower creative entrepreneurs on the platform. Rob embraced Etsy's 'Code as Craft' ethos, focusing on continuous deployment, user research, and a robust product development process to drive forward the company's mission.

With a passion for product development, Rob later advanced into management roles while remaining dedicated to empowering teams in creating beloved products. Currently serving as an Engineering Director at Etsy, he leads an initiative aimed at enhancing the buyer's journey by providing tailored support and signals for confident purchasing decisions. Under his guidance, four product development teams utilize research and experimentation to enhance the core buying experience on Etsy.

Rob LaPlaca holds a BA in Interactive Multimedia from The College of New Jersey, and his professional journey includes notable positions such as Director Of Engineering, Senior Engineering Manager, Engineering Manager, Senior Software Engineer, and Software Engineer at Etsy. Prior to Etsy, he honed his skills at prominent organizations like Huge and R/GA, where he held roles ranging from Frontend Developer to Principal Frontend Engineer. Additionally, he gained industry experience through freelance work and internships at companies like BlackRock.