Should Product and Engineering Sit Under One Leader?

This session examines two opposing views on unifying product and engineering under a single CPTO. One side argues that combining functions removes friction, clarifies priorities and strengthens customer focus. The other side argues that separating product and engineering creates healthier tension, clearer ownership and better technical depth. Using Ellen’s experience stepping into a unified CPTO role at Synctera, the debate challenges assumptions on alignment, autonomy and organisational design.

Debate Outcomes

• Compare the benefits and risks of unifying product and engineering under one leader
• Explore how conflicting priorities emerge in early stage companies like Synctera
• Understand how customer problem ownership can support or undermine functional clarity
• Gain insight into when organisational unity accelerates delivery and when it constrains it