Anthony Noto was just names CEO of SoFi, the online banking lender. Mr. Noto came to my attention when named chief marketing officer of Twitter – with nary a marketing bone in his body. He was hired as Twitter’s CFO, then slid over into marketing side of the house (two hats) after spending time at Goldman Sachs and the NFL. The gent knows finance and business. And gets technology, but he’s no nerd. I’m betting he’ll really find his footing at SoFi. Having spent time with Jack Dorsey and absorbing the Square’s platform and financial designs, he’ll have a nice non-Goldman view of the world.
Still not sure if Mr. Noto is a marketer but marketing is easier with a great product. And I’m guessing he’ll be able to take Sofi’s gerrymander-the-lending-market approach and build some smart products.
Money, be it paper or digits, isn’t going away. And Mr. Noto is back where he belongs with some nice learning along the way.
Watch him.
Peace.