Chris Bee, a tech executive with previous experience at Lessen, Zillow, and Uber, has recently joined AI email startup Superhuman as chief technology officer. Superhuman is a San Francisco-based company that raised $75 million in 2021 to further develop its email app, aimed at simplifying the management of email communication for users of platforms such as Gmail and Outlook. With Bee now on board, the company is looking to expand its offerings to target enterprise customers. Bee, who is based in Seattle, has a background as a senior director at Zillow Group and a senior engineering manager at Uber.
In addition to Bee’s move, there have been several other key personnel changes in the Pacific Northwest tech industry. Tammy Perkins, a seasoned HR executive who has worked at companies such as HAVI, Amazon, and Microsoft, has joined HR software provider ProService as chief people officer. Meanwhile, Jonathan Klein, co-founder and former CEO of Getty Images, has resigned from the company’s board after his long tenure with the photo giant. Olly Downs, a well-known tech leader in Seattle, has taken on the role of chief technology and AI officer at Curinos, a fintech startup based in New York City. Larry Hryb, who was a prominent figure at Microsoft for over 20 years and played a key role in Xbox, has joined Unity as director of community.
In further updates, Seattle-based logistics startup Pipe17 has appointed Ryan Powell as chief revenue officer, bringing his experience from companies such as Ryder System, Whiplash, and Easyship to the team. Chris Green, formerly of the Washington state Department of Commerce, has become the first president of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association. Juan Barraza has been named the new executive director of Portland-based nonprofit Latino Founders, where he had previously served on the board. Andrew Coté, vice president of strategy and growth at Brinc Drones in Seattle, has joined the Business Executives for National Security based in Washington D.C. Karina Martija-Harris, who was previously a program manager at Washington Maritime Blue, has joined the National Security Innovation Network as a program management analyst.
These recent personnel changes highlight the dynamic nature of the tech and business landscape in the Pacific Northwest. From seasoned executives like Chris Bee and Tammy Perkins to industry veterans like Larry Hryb and Chris Green, these individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles. As companies like Superhuman and ProService continue to innovate and grow, it is clear that the region’s tech industry is poised for further development and success. With new talent and leadership entering the scene, the future looks bright for the Pacific Northwest tech ecosystem.
