Chris Connelly.

Chris Connelly is the Vice President of Product & Strategy, where he leads the local product strategy, AI-led roadmap, and partner ecosystem for the Australian market. In this role, Chris is responsible for shaping and delivering Podium’s localised product strategy in Australia, ensuring global innovation is translated into practical, market-ready solutions for Australian businesses. His remit spans product localisation, AI-powered product development, ecosystem strategy, integration partnerships, and local delivery of key platform capabilities. Chris leads Podium Australia’s in-market ecosystem approach, working across integration partners and strategic technology relationships to ensure Podium connects effectively with the tools, platforms, and workflows Australian businesses rely on every day. His work helps strengthen Podium’s local product relevance while expanding the value customers can access through connected systems, automation, AI, payments, and customer engagement solutions. He has played a key role in bringing major Podium product initiatives to life locally, including Podium Phones, Podium’s AI-powered solutions, and the evolution of Podium’s payments capabilities in Australia. With more than two decades of experience across technology, fintech, product management, partnerships, and business development, Chris brings a practical understanding of how businesses can use modern software, AI, and integrated platforms to improve efficiency, customer experience, and growth. Prior to joining Podium, Chris held senior roles across the fintech and payments sector, including Senior Director of Payments, Global, at Vend and Commercial/Product Manager at Smartpay Payments. His background across product, payments, ecosystem partnerships, and commercial strategy gives him a strong perspective on the challenges businesses face as they navigate an increasingly connected and AI-driven digital economy. Chris is passionate about building locally relevant technology ecosystems that help Australian businesses compete, grow, and better serve their customers.