Scaling Product-centric Operating Models: Why Pragmatism Beats Purism

The rise of product-centric operating models

Product-centric operating models have gained significant traction over the past decade – and for good reason. Rooted in the software-driven culture of Silicon Valley, this approach prioritises creating real customer value through technology-powered solutions. By focusing on customer needs and bringing business value and customer experience to the forefront, organisations can achieve superior alignment of resources, platforms, and strategies. This shift is not only beneficial in the short term, but also supports long-term innovation and value creation.

As product-centric thinking has spread from Silicon Valley into the mainstream, it has evolved to fit various contexts beyond pure technology companies. Inspired by models like the much-publicised "Spotify model", companies across industries are adapting these principles to their unique environments. In many cases, this approach has replaced the traditional project-based