Reddit Is Searching for a New Chief Product Officer
Reddit is officially on the hunt for a new chief product officer, as Pali Bhat prepares to step down after nearly four years in the role. His exit marks the end of a transformative era for Reddit’s product strategy. If you’re wondering what’s next for the company or how this leadership change might impact users and the platform’s future, you’re not alone. This update offers a quick but thorough look at why this matters — and what comes next for Reddit’s product team.
Why Pali Bhat’s Departure Matters for Reddit
Pali Bhat joined Reddit in 2021 after a successful run at Google. As Reddit’s first-ever CPO, Bhat helped shape the platform’s modern identity. Under his leadership, the company launched features aimed at simplifying the user experience and rolled out a new AI-powered search tool. Bhat’s tenure wasn’t without turbulence — notably, he steered the team through massive community backlash over Reddit’s API pricing changes, which led to the shutdown of several popular third-party apps.
Who’s Steering Reddit’s Product Until a New CPO Is Found?
While Reddit searches for its next product boss, responsibilities are being redistributed internally. Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Wong is leading user growth efforts, Chief Technology Officer Chris Slowe is taking charge of engineering, and CEO Steve Huffman is continuing to oversee long-term product vision. Despite the leadership gap, Reddit says it remains focused on global expansion, enhancing its ad tech, and improving both search and core platform features.
What’s Next for Reddit’s Product Direction?
Looking ahead, Reddit is expected to double down on product improvements. In a recent internal note, Huffman emphasized the company’s commitment to simplifying the platform, refining moderation tools, and optimizing discovery through search. Reddit has yet to name a successor, but the incoming CPO will inherit the challenge of balancing innovation with the preferences of its passionate user base—many of whom still favor “old Reddit.