Michael Dearing

Overview

In spring 2006, Michael Dearing joined the d. school faculty at Stanford University. At the same time, he began working closely with and investing in a few small companies. In 2008, Michael established Harrison Metal. In his work at Stanford, Michael has co-developed and co-taught courses including Creating Infectious Action, Creating Mass Market Experiences, and Entrepreneurial Finance. He also teaches graduate seminars including Innovation in Complex Organizations, Creative Product Marketing. Michael’s current interests include process design for new product development, productizing emerging technologies, web-based businesses, product marketing and pricing. Before joining the d.school, Michael spent nearly seven years at eBay (NASDAQ – EBAY) serving most recently as Senior Vice President & General Merchandise Manager for eBay. In that role, he led category management, product marketing, seller development, eBay Stores, and direct-to-consumer marketing for eBay North America. While at eBay, Michael and his colleagues were also responsible for the launch and growth of many new merchandise categories, and new businesses such as Buy-it-Now, the listings upgrade business, eBay Stores, and ProStores. Prior to eBay, Michael held leadership positions at Bain & Company, Filene’s Basement, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE-DIS), and Industrial Shoe Warehouse. Michael is an east coast native, now happily a citizen of the Bay Area. He holds an AB in Economics, with a focus in economic history, from Brown University, and an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School. He is a member of the Economic History Association and the Business History Conference. When he’s not at the d.school, Michael enjoys working with small companies on issues of strategy and marketing, growing fruits and vegetables, hiking, and playing with his dogs.