Former Kik exec Eran Ben-Ari named chief product officer at Top Hat

Top Hat has named Eran Ben-Ari its new chief product officer. Ben-Ari will officially join the company on May 15.

Ben-Ari will oversee product strategy, development, and expansion, with a focus on finding new revenue opportunities. Ben-Ari’s past experience includes working as chief product officer for Kik, where he led a team of over 50 people and worked on the launch of Kik’s Kin cryptocurrency.

Prior to Kik, Ben-Ari was VP of product at Rounds Entertainment (acquired by Kik), and VP of growth at Hola.

“In addition to bringing an abundance of startup and academic research experience to Top Hat, Eran has an impressive track record of driving product innovation and advancement,” said CEO Mike Silagadze. “With him at the helm of Top Hat’s product management and engineering, I’m confident we’ll fast track our ability to build on the exponential growth we’ve experienced while continuing to look for new ways to better serve our customers.”

Ben-Ari was the vice president of product at Rounds Entertainment, which developed mobile hangout applications before it was acquired by Kik. Prior to that, Ben-Ari was the VP of growth at Hola.

“Prior to joining the world of technology, I taught at a university and experienced firsthand the challenges of engaging students and providing them with superior learning experiences,” said Ben-Ari. “With its strong product portfolio, world-class investors, and strong executive team, Top Hat is uniquely positioned to help solve those challenges. And I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of that.”

Last month, Top Hat’s former CPO, Malgosia Green, left the company to take on a CEO role at Plenty of Fish.