Brian Schwarz
About Brian Schwarz
Brian Schwarz serves as the VP of Products at Redpanda Data, where he has worked since 2024. He has extensive experience in product management across various companies, including Google and Cisco Systems, and possesses strong skills in GTM strategy and technical knowledge in data center infrastructure.
Work at Redpanda Data
Brian Schwarz serves as the Vice President of Products at Redpanda Data, a position he has held since 2024. His role involves overseeing product strategy and management within the company. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he operates in a remote capacity, contributing to the company's growth and product development initiatives.
Previous Experience in Product Management
Prior to joining Redpanda Data, Brian Schwarz held several significant positions in product management. He worked at Pure Storage as Vice President of Product Management from 2017 to 2020 and previously as Director of Product Management from 2014 to 2016. He also served as Director of Product Management at Google Cloud Platform from 2020 to 2022 and at Cisco Systems from 2008 to 2014, showcasing a strong background in leading product teams and strategies.
Educational Background
Brian Schwarz earned his MBA from the University of Washington, where he studied from 1998 to 2000. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, completed between 1991 and 1995. Additionally, he studied Strategy, Marketing, and Innovation at the UW Foster School of Business during the same period as his MBA.
Technical Skills and Expertise
Brian possesses extensive technical knowledge in data center infrastructure, including servers, networks, and storage systems. His expertise spans high transaction OLTP databases, data analytics, GPU and machine learning, security, hypervisors, containers, and systems automation. He has significant experience in both inbound and outbound product management responsibilities, including defining product vision and strategy.
Customer Engagement and Communication
Throughout his career, Brian Schwarz has conducted over 1000 customer briefings and meetings. His outbound skills include go-to-market strategy, segmentation, and serving as a spokesperson for analysts, press, and investors. This experience highlights his ability to effectively communicate product value and engage with various stakeholders.