Matt Madrigal, chief product and technology officer at Pinterest, is prioritizing what he terms "additive AI," a software approach focused on delivering useful, real-life ideas and products to users.
"Our goal for our users is time well spent, not total time spent," Madrigal stated. This philosophy guides the development of Pinterest's AI systems, which are built upon the company's proprietary Taste Graph. This extensive dataset, gathered over a decade, maps user preferences and informs the AI's ability to suggest related items and ideas. For instance, a search for a fire pit might also yield suggestions for chairs and party planning.
Madrigal noted that this approach, which integrates inspiration and ideas, is distinct from traditional search engines. Pinterest has seen significant user growth, with 640 million monthly active users and 12 consecutive quarters of expansion, demonstrating the effectiveness of its strategy.
According to Madrigal, who joined Pinterest in 2024, prioritizing safety does not impede growth. He highlighted the company's investment in evaluations and foundational infrastructure that enable rapid development while maintaining a high standard for safety and youth mental health. Madrigal is recognized as one of the leaders shaping the future of technology on the 2026 TIME Executives of the Year: Tech and Data list.