Ryan Hartman is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Chaiz, the first fully digital online marketplace for extended car warranties that empowers consumers to research, compare, and purchase vehicle protection with transparency and ease. As a visionary marketing leader, Ryan plays a central role in shaping Chaiz’s go-to-market strategy, driving growth through consumer-centric digital experiences and educating millions of drivers about the value of extended vehicle protection.
Before co-founding Chaiz, Ryan built a distinguished career in performance marketing and paid media leadership. He served as SVP of Paid Media at The Zebra, where he was responsible for planning, negotiating, executing, and optimizing the company’s $90 million media budget and played a key role scaling the insurance comparison platform. Prior to that, he held senior roles including VP of Paid Media and VP of Performance Marketing, delivering measurable growth through data-driven strategies.
Ryan’s marketing expertise is grounded in a rich background across well-known brands. He previously led digital marketing functions at Custom Ink as Head of Digital Marketing and Digital Marketing Director, and at Esurance in progressively senior digital marketing roles focusing on SEM and partner revenue. His career began at GEICO, where he gained foundational experience in internet marketing planning, SEM management, and interactive media buying, strengthening his proficiency in scaling digital campaigns and customer acquisition.
An alumnus of Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business, Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree focused on marketing, advertising, and film, providing a unique blend of analytical and creative skills that he continues to apply in today’s competitive insurtech and automotive marketplace landscape.
As a sought-after speaker on startup growth, digital marketing innovation, and customer empowerment in fintech and insurtech, Ryan shares actionable insights on transforming traditional industries through technology and customer-first thinking.
