Nikhila Lavu

Experience

1. Dir Head of Product Operations

   Okta

   May 2025 — Present

   Member of the Okta Platform Product leadership team, leading a global Product Operations team that serves as the connective tissue between Product, Finance, Eng TPM, GTM, and CS/CF- translating strategy into execution through clear operating cadences, shared accountability, and scalable processes as platform complexity increasesResponsibilities include:Product Planning & Roadmap Operations1. Lead annual and quarterly planning across the product organization, establishing standardized planning cadences, portfolio prioritization frameworks, and roadmap governance that align product strategy with GTM and Customer Success execution2. Enable consistent field-facing product communications, coordinating roadmap narratives, launch planning to ensure teams are aligned from strategy through delivery- while building repeatable launch processes that scale across an expanding product portfolio Product Analytics & Adoption Tracking1. Establish product analytics and adoption frameworks that connect product intent to customer outcomes2. Drive operational readiness for data-driven and AI-enabled features, ensuring appropriate instrumentation, launch readiness, and post-launch monitoring to drive adoption and value realization.Product Feedback & Customer Signal1. Own the end-to-end product feedback ecosystem, including Okta Ideas, Product Feedback Council, and global customer and partner advisory boards.2. Operationalize feedback loops that connect customer and field insights directly into roadmap planning and prioritization, ensuring execution remains grounded in real-world customer needsProduct Org Operations1. Lead product org ops including budget management, T&E governance, strategic programs, and large-scale events (e.g, Oktane), aligning investments to platform and portfolio priorities.2. Build scalable operational processes that enable organizational growth while maintaining financial discipline, execution consistency, and strong cross-functional alignment.

Education

• Rutgers University

  Master of Science - MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering

  2012