Airbnb removed Product Management role and replaced it with Product Marketing Manager

Muhammad Zohaib
Bootcamp
Published in
4 min readJul 23, 2023

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Let me share my story on this , first of all it’s not a new concept and is going on within the organizations at different levels but haven’t been given a official but now thanks to Airbnb it is official.
I have always been a strong advocate for the integration of product management and product marketing within organizations, recognizing the immense value that can be derived from their collaboration. Throughout my career as a Product Manager, I have consistently taken the initiative to bridge the gap between these two disciplines, resulting in enhanced product success and customer satisfaction.

The new Product Marketing Manager role brings together the best of both worlds, combining the deep understanding of product management with the creative prowess and strategic vision of marketing. This fusion enables Airbnb to create holistic experiences that cater to the needs and desires of their diverse user base while ensuring the products’ success in the market.

By integrating marketing insights, data-driven strategies, and customer-centric approaches right from the initial stages of product development, Airbnb is poised to strengthen its already outstanding reputation as a market leader. This change reflects Airbnb’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire product lifecycle.

By bridging the gap between product development and marketing, Airbnb will be able to better align their offerings with evolving customer preferences, anticipate market trends, and deliver exceptional value to their users. The Product Marketing Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping product roadmaps, leveraging customer insights to drive innovation, and translating complex technical concepts into compelling marketing messages that resonate with the target audience.

Moreover, this change signals Airbnb’s commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and cross-functional synergy. With the Product Marketing Manager acting as a liaison between engineering, design, and marketing teams, the company will be better equipped to cultivate a unified vision, streamline communication, and accelerate product launches.

I believe this bold move by Airbnb sets an industry-wide precedent, highlighting the importance of seamless collaboration between product development and marketing. As professionals in the field, we should embrace this change as an opportunity for growth, adaptability, and continued innovation.

To my product management peers, I encourage you to explore the dynamic realm of product marketing. This transition offers an exciting chance to enhance your skill set, broaden your strategic thinking, and embark on new career trajectories that blend your expertise with the creative elements of marketing.
By diving deeper into product management & marketing principles, we can contribute even more effectively to the success of our marketing campaigns and deliver results that drive business growth.

Change is the catalyst for progress, and I firmly believe that Airbnb’s decision to introduce the Product Marketing Manager role is a testament to their commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and industry leadership. I am excited to witness the positive impact this transformation will have on Airbnb’s future growth.

My story how I am always used Product marketing in product management

One of my key achievements was leveraging my expertise in both product management and product marketing to drive impactful outcomes. By conducting comprehensive competitive analyses, I gained a deep understanding of the market landscape and identified unique opportunities for product differentiation. This allowed me to develop strategies that addressed customer needs and preferences, ensuring that our product offerings were aligned with market demands.

In addition, I actively engaged in UX audits & persona building to gain valuable insights into the target audience. By identifying their specific pain points and desires, I could prioritize and develop features that resonated with their needs. This approach enabled me to deliver products that truly addressed customer expectations, resulting in increased adoption rates and customer loyalty.

Furthermore, I collaborated with marketing, to craft effective messaging and communication strategies. I understood the importance of consistent and impactful customer communication across various channels, whether it be in-app notifications, SMS, any campaign. By coordinating with the marketing team, I ensured that our messaging was compelling, informative, and aligned with our value proposition.

Throughout my journey in the fintech and SAAS ,I have tracked & analyzed KPIs to evaluate the success of marketing campaigns & product launches. My data-driven approach allowed me to make informed recommendations for optimization , leading to more effective marketing strategies and increased conversion rates.

Another crucial aspect of my role was identifying target market segments and devising pricing strategies to maximize profitability. I developed pricing models that struck a balance between value for customers and revenue generation for the company. Additionally, I crafted comprehensive launch plans that encompassed all aspects of the product lifecycle, from initial market entry to sustained growth.

By bridging the gap between product development and marketing, Airbnb will be able to better align their offerings with evolving customer preferences, anticipate market trends, and deliver exceptional value to their users.

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Senior Product Manager with passion for product ,business & tech. At the core of my heart there’s a desire to make someone’s life easier & simpler.