About Me
I am an exec-level product leader with a successful record in launching, growing and optimizing products in Asia Pacific, EMEA and LATAM. I am currently based in Tokyo, but my openness to new challenges and cultures has allowed me to develop my skills while experiencing life in Singapore, Beijing and London.
I am currently working as a freelance product consultant. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss a potential project.
In my previous role, I lead the Product and Technology team at Tabist. The company mission is to allow accommodation providers in Japan to maximise their potential through the use of technology.
In my role at TripAdvisor, I led the APAC Product Team, to grow traffic, revenue and content for markets including, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. I collaborated with global cross-functional teams including UX, Design and Software Engineering to deliver market-specific product innovations and optimisations across Hotels, Restaurants, Experiences, Flights and B2B businesses.
In 2017/18, I managed the launch of a new, profitable business vertical through all stages of the product lifecycle: Conception including business plan, strategy and executive leadership sign-off, UX Research, Design, Specification, Development, Beta Testing and Launch.
My experience in Tokyo has included team coaching to develop an agile, fast-moving product management culture as well as to improve communication with global teams. I was also privileged to serve as TripAdvisor’s Representative Director in Japan during 2015 and 2016.
While based in London, I launched over half of TripAdvisor’s 50+ sites, bringing the TripAdvisor experience to travellers in 15 new languages. As part of these projects, I gained insights to key website components including backend infrastructure, mobile and app services, commerce and auction systems, content management, trust and safety, search and navigation and data analytics.
Prior to joining TripAdvisor, I held positions at eBay, InfoSpace and Reuters. I hold an LLB (hons) degree in Scots Law from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.
Contact Details
Michael Stobo
Tokyo, Japan (UTC+9)
michael@michaelstobo.com
Career
Product Management Consultant
Working with founders of online travel tech business to interview and hire remote team members, advise on product market fit, influence product specifications and provide insights on Japan inbound travel opportunity.
Tabist
Responsibilities:
- Exec team leader of Product and Technology team comprising Product managers, Designers, Project managers, QA, DevOps and Frontend and Backend engineers
- Strategy definition, business case creation, budget management, coaching and mentoring
- Defining and delivering the roadmap for Japan-specific products for B2B and B2C customers, to replace the global OYO-built products
TripAdvisor
Responsibilities:
- Managing the APAC Market Development team to research, define, launch and refine web and app
enhancements for TripAdvisor's Asia Pacific sites
- Collaborating with sales, partnerships, account management and marketing to align new market strategy
- Leading the product build, QA & development of TripAdvisor sites in new markets
- Setting engineering priorities and managing the product pipeline
Skills
Team Leadership | Product Management | Product Development | Localization | Market Growth | Search Engine Optimization | Mobile & App Development | Digital Marketing | Web Analytics | User Generated Content | User Experience | Design Thinking | User Research | Lean/Agile/Scrum | Trust and Safety | Content Moderation | Customer Service Operations | A/B Testing | Social Media Marketing | Strategy Development | Stakeholder Management | Coaching | Public Speaking & Presentations | Tableau | Microsoft Office
Some photos from Japan in 2023
Sky above Enoshima
There was a strong wind causing the clouds to swirl overhead.
Mountains in the mist
A rainy day hike up Takao-san rewarded this view from the summit of mountains in the mist.
Rainbow Bridge at night
The Rainbow Bridge at night, taken from Odaiba, with the yakatabune boats and their lanterns in the bay.
Shibuya at sunset
The setting sun lights up the sky over Shibuya, as seen from Ebisu, Tokyo.
Sakura at Night, Nakameguro
The evening lightup of Sakura blossom on the Meguro River in Nakameguro.
Sunset over Yokohama
The setting sun lit up the clouds over Yokohama.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower shines brightly at night.
Turquoise sea in Okinawa
The many colours of the sea in Onna, Okinawa.