Eric Grunfeld is a product leader, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate dedicated to transforming how individuals and organizations understand, prioritize, and operationalize well-being in the modern workplace. With a career spanning insurtech innovation, digital product strategy, and behavioral technology, Eric brings a unique ability to merge human-centered thinking with scalable, data-driven solutions that drive both performance and purpose.
Currently serving as an Analyst in Product Management for National Auto at Travelers, Eric plays a critical role in shaping countrywide digital auto and vehicle segmentation products. He has led initiatives that improve segmentation accuracy, increase profitability, and modernize data infrastructure. His work includes identifying critical gaps in vehicle data that led to underpricing and spearheading cross-functional alignment to implement a data modernization strategy—reducing operational inefficiencies while strengthening pricing precision. Eric also led the successful launch of a multi-state digital auto discount program, navigating complex regulatory environments while owning QA, testing, and release execution.
Eric began his journey at Travelers through the Product Management Development Program, where he demonstrated early leadership by uncovering geographic pricing inefficiencies and designing enhanced segmentation strategies. He also played a key role in launching a telematics program, building distribution strategies and agent-facing go-to-market materials that exceeded engagement benchmarks.
Prior to Travelers, Eric founded PluggdIn, an IoT-based insurtech startup aimed at eliminating distracted driving. Recognizing that distracted driving contributed to 1.7 million crashes annually and over $60 billion in insurer losses, he partnered with Brown University and AAA to develop a device and application that proactively blocks phone notifications while driving. Through a 7,000-user pilot, Eric demonstrated measurable behavioral impact and projected $228 in savings per customer—equating to $615 million in long-term industry value. As Founder and Head of Product, he led cross-functional teams across software, hardware, and design, driving product development from concept through prototype and validation.
Beyond his professional work, Eric is deeply committed to mentorship and community building. As a Lead Mentor with Founders Network, he supports a global community of over 600 startup founders, and as a Board Member of Brown Alumni Entrepreneurship, he fosters collaboration between alumni and the university’s innovation ecosystem.
At the core of Eric’s leadership philosophy is a mission to redefine mental health as a cornerstone of both individual fulfillment and organizational success. He believes technology should serve as a bridge to empathy, accessibility, and proactive care—not just efficiency. His long-term vision is to spark a global movement that embeds mental health consciousness into the fabric of industries, empowering organizations to cultivate cultures where human connection and high performance coexist.
Eric leads with empathy, strategy, and intention—building solutions that not only solve complex problems but also elevate how people experience work, technology, and well-being.
Character:
A purpose-driven leader who champions empathy, resilience, and the normalization of mental health as a foundation for personal and organizational growth.
Knowledge:
Deep expertise in product management, insurtech, telematics, behavioral data, and digital platform strategy, with a strong foundation in customer insight and analytics.
Strategic:
Proven ability to identify systemic gaps, align cross-functional stakeholders, and execute scalable solutions that drive profitability, innovation, and long-term value.
Communication:
An effective communicator who translates complex technical and strategic concepts into clear, actionable narratives that inspire alignment and engagement.
