Product management has become a pivotal role in the tech industry, shaping the way products are developed, launched, and maintained. Over the years, several product managers have made significant contributions to their companies and the field at large, setting new standards and introducing innovative practices. Here are ten famous product managers who have left a mark on the industry with their groundbreaking work.

1. Ken Norton

Ken Norton is renowned for his influential essay, "How to Hire a Product Manager," which has become a foundational read in the product management community. During his tenure at Google, Norton played a crucial role in developing products like Google Docs, Google Calendar, and Google Mobile Maps, significantly impacting how we work and navigate today. His advocacy for product management as a discipline has inspired many to pursue careers in the field.

2. Marty Cagan

Marty Cagan is the founder of the Silicon Valley Product Group and the author of "Inspired: How To Create Products Customers Love" and "Empowered: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products." With experience at eBay, AOL, and Netscape, Cagan has been instrumental in shaping modern product management practices. His focus on building products that address real customer needs while fostering collaboration between designers, engineers, and product managers has influenced countless tech companies.

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3. Ben Horowitz

Before co-founding the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, Ben Horowitz held various product management positions, including VP of Product at Netscape. He is the author of "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," offering invaluable advice on leadership and entrepreneurship. Horowitz's contributions to product management include his insights into making tough decisions, scaling businesses, and fostering a strong company culture.

4. Julie Zhuo

Julie Zhuo, the former VP of Product Design at Facebook, played a significant role in designing and refining the user experience of one of the world's most popular social media platforms. Her book, "The Making of a Manager," provides a candid look at the challenges and responsibilities of being a manager, drawing on her extensive experience at Facebook. Zhuo's emphasis on user-centered design and effective team management has made her a respected figure in product management.

5. Marissa Mayer

Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo and one of the first employees at Google, made significant contributions as a product manager. At Google, she led the development of successful products like Google Search and Gmail, focusing on simplicity and user experience. Mayer's tenure at Yahoo was marked by efforts to revitalize the company's product lineup and improve its mobile offerings, showcasing her commitment to innovation and design.

6. Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was perhaps the ultimate product manager, known for his visionary approach to product development and marketing. Under his leadership, Apple released revolutionary products like the iPhone, iPad, and Macbook Air, which redefined their respective categories. Jobs' insistence on design excellence, user experience, and "thinking different" has left an indelible mark on product management and the tech industry as a whole.

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7. Sheryl Sandberg

Before becoming the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg was a VP of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google and involved in its philanthropic arm, Google.org. Sandberg's expertise in business operations, online advertising, and sales significantly contributed to Google's and Facebook's growth. Her book, "Lean In," encourages women to pursue their ambitions, and her leadership style emphasizes the importance of scalability, monetization strategies, and creating value for users.

8. Sundar Pichai

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company, began his career at Google managing product development and innovation. He played a pivotal role in the creation and success of Google Chrome, which has become the world's most popular web browser. Pichai's focus on leveraging technology to solve everyday problems has driven Google's product strategy, leading to the development of products like Google Drive, Chrome OS, and Chromecast.

9. Adam Nash

Adam Nash, former VP of Product Management at LinkedIn, has been influential in driving the platform's features and functionality, focusing on user engagement and growth. He later served as CEO of Wealthfront, where he applied his product management skills to democratize financial planning and investment. Nash's approach to product management---emphasizing user value, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement---has been widely adopted in the tech industry.

10. Melissa Perri

Melissa Perri is the CEO of Produx Labs, a product management consultancy, and the author of "Escaping the Build Trap," which addresses how companies can avoid getting stuck in a cycle of building features without creating real value. Her focus on product strategy, lean methodologies, and helping organizations build better products has made her a sought-after speaker and consultant. Perri's work emphasizes the importance of defining a clear product vision and aligning teams around delivering customer value.

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These product managers have not only contributed to the success of their respective companies but have also advanced the field of product management through their thought leadership, writings, and mentorship. Their careers offer valuable lessons in innovation, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction.

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