20+ years building production systems
Delivered software projects continuously from 2004 to present across eCommerce, SaaS, and cloud environments.
Senior Software Engineering Manager
Konstantinos Botonakis
I lead AI and platform engineering work where strategy, teams, and production systems have to meet.
My background spans SaaS, eCommerce, WordPress, cloud platforms, and founder-led service businesses.
- 20+ years shipping production systems
- AI strategy across engineering and product
- Founder-operator experience in eCommerce
Proof snapshot
The short version: senior engineering leadership, current AI strategy work, and founder-level delivery experience.
Senior engineering manager leading AI at WP Engine
At WP Engine since June 2022; leading AI strategy across engineering and product in the current role since April 2026.
High-performing teams and delivery culture
Built and led engineering teams, including a team of 11 engineers, while establishing strong delivery practices, mentoring culture, and technical ownership.
Founder-operator track record
Founded OpenCart Greece (2012) and OpenCart London (2015), delivering custom eCommerce services, hosting, and integrations.
Selected leadership work
Three contexts where my work connects technical judgment, delivery, and business outcomes.
June 2022 - Present
Senior Software Engineering Manager
WP Engine
Current role since April 2026
- Context
- AI strategy needs to become practical product and platform execution, not a disconnected research track.
- Decision
- Align engineering, product, and team practices around production-ready AI capabilities for the WordPress ecosystem.
- Result
- A leadership mandate that connects roadmap, delivery culture, platform intelligence, and measurable customer value.
July 2019 - June 2022
Senior Software Engineer
Hub-Box
- Context
- Retailers needed reliable Click & Collect and Ship to access point services across the UK, Europe, and the US.
- Decision
- Build and maintain SaaS platform capabilities across API, cloud, and eCommerce integrations.
- Result
- Supported a platform used by large retail brands while deepening SaaS, logistics, and integration experience.
2012 - Present
Founder
OpenCart London & Greece
- Context
- Merchants needed custom eCommerce services, hosting, and integrations beyond off-the-shelf OpenCart installs.
- Decision
- Operate service businesses delivering custom addons, extensions, and bank/ERP-connected commerce workflows.
- Result
- Built long-running founder-operator experience at the intersection of commerce, infrastructure, and client delivery.
How I lead
A quiet operating model: set direction, create ownership, and keep systems practical.
Set technical direction
Translate ambiguous AI and platform opportunities into roadmaps teams can execute.
Build ownership
Create delivery cultures where engineers understand the why, not only the ticket.
Keep systems practical
Favor production-ready architecture, maintainability, and measurable value over novelty.
Work cross-functionally
Partner with product, design, and business leaders so technical choices land in the market.
Beyond the highlights
If you want the details, start with my CV. If you're curious about how I think, have a look at the blog.
Start a conversation
If you're evaluating AI, eCommerce, SaaS, or platform engineering leadership, reach out directly.