Kruti Patel Goyal: Etsy’s CEO-in-Waiting Leading the Next Growth Chapter
Etsy, the global marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, is preparing for a major leadership transition. Kruti Patel Goyal, the company’s President and Chief Growth Officer, has been named CEO, taking over from Josh Silverman in early 2026. This move positions Etsy to navigate market challenges while leveraging Patel Goyal’s experience in product innovation, marketplace growth, and operational strategy. According to analysis reviewed by CEO Today, her appointment signals a strategic commitment to reinvention and long-term growth.
Why Etsy Needed a Change at the Top
Etsy has faced a mixed performance in recent quarters. While revenue in Q3-2025 exceeded expectations, gross merchandise sales (GMS) and active buyers and sellers have declined, highlighting pressure from competitors and evolving consumer behaviors. (Reuters)
Josh Silverman, outgoing CEO, noted:
“Kruti has an exceptional understanding of Etsy’s business and the marketplace as a whole. She is uniquely equipped to guide the company through its next phase of growth.”
This transition underscores a trend in the tech and e-commerce sectors: companies are prioritizing leaders with deep institutional knowledge and a clear vision for customer-focused innovation.
Kruti Patel Goyal’s Career Path
Patel Goyal’s journey to the top of Etsy has been marked by versatility and high-impact leadership roles. She began her career in M&A at Morgan Stanley, later moving into growth equity at General Atlantic and strategic roles at Viacom.
Joining Etsy over a decade ago, she held positions including Chief Product Officer, Head of International Growth, and leader of Trust and Safety. Most notably, she served as CEO of Depop, the fashion resale platform acquired by Etsy, where she oversaw rapid marketplace expansion and enhanced user engagement. (Time)
Her diverse experience across product, operations, and international growth positions her as a CEO capable of balancing innovation, operational rigor, and marketplace relevance.
Kruti Patel Goyal
The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Etsy’s next phase under Patel Goyal comes with both challenges and opportunities:
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Reviving Growth: With GMS declining, Etsy will need to refresh its value proposition to attract and retain buyers.
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Maintaining Marketplace Differentiation: Standing out in a crowded e-commerce environment is critical.
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Expanding Globally: Managing cross-border logistics, tariffs, and localization will be essential for growth.
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Balancing Purpose and Profit: Etsy’s brand emphasizes community and sustainability, which must be scaled without compromise.
Patel Goyal has indicated her strategy will focus on customer-first product innovation, enhanced marketplace tools for sellers, and operational efficiency driven by data.
Lessons for Business Leaders
Kruti Patel Goyal’s rise offers valuable insights for executives:
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Internal promotions can preserve culture: Selecting a leader who deeply understands the company mitigates risk during transitions.
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Cross-functional experience is invaluable: Her background across product, international growth, and trust provides a comprehensive leadership perspective.
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Purpose-driven strategy scales: Patel Goyal demonstrates that mission-aligned businesses can grow profitably when strategy and values align.
Conclusion: Etsy’s Next Chapter
Etsy’s marketplace has been a symbol of unique, handcrafted commerce. Now, with Kruti Patel Goyal at the helm, the company is poised to combine its artisanal roots with modern operational excellence and growth strategies. Executives and entrepreneurs can watch her leadership as a blueprint for scaling purpose-driven marketplaces while navigating complex competitive landscapes.
FAQ – Kruti Patel Goyal and Etsy Leadership
What is Kruti Patel Goyal’s new role at Etsy?
She will assume the position of CEO in early 2026, succeeding Josh Silverman.
What experience makes her qualified for Etsy’s CEO role?
Her background includes leadership at Etsy, product management, international growth, and serving as CEO of Depop, where she led rapid expansion.
Why is this transition important for Etsy?
Etsy faces declining GMS and increasing competition; Patel Goyal’s appointment signals a strategy focused on customer-centric growth, operational excellence, and marketplace innovation.
