Marketing executive Tony Wells to give keynote address at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School graduation ceremonies

Marketing executive Tony Wells will be the featured speaker at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School’s MS and MBA graduation ceremonies on Tuesday, May 21. 

Throughout his career, Wells built a reputation as a progressive thinker and a skilled and agile marketer who excelled in an ever-changing and highly competitive marketplace. Most recently, Wells was chief media officer for Verizon, one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services generating more than $133 billion in revenue and serving more than 120 million customers. Before Verizon, Wells served as chief brand officer for USAA, a Fortune 500 financial services company with more than 13 million members and $35 billion in revenue. He also served as a chief marketing officer across multiple industries and go-to-market strategies, including Schneider Electric, ADT Security, and 24-Hour Fitness. His career also included senior marketing roles at Visa, Interpublic Group of Companies, SFX Sports, and Nissan. 

Since stepping away from roles as an operating executive, Wells has focused on public-private equity and nonprofit board service. He currently serves on three company boards: Yelp, Nexstar, and TripleLift. He previously served on two private equity company boards, Octiv and Pattern89, both of which were acquired during his tenure. Wells has extensive nonprofit board experience, including the Association of National Advertisers, and has chaired both the USAA Foundation and the USAA Educational Foundation. Additionally, he served on the boards of directors for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and for his alma mater, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland. 

“Tony Wells is a highly respected industry executive who is deeply committed to the mission of Carey Business School,” said Alex Triantis, dean of the Carey Business School. “As an advisor and advocate for Carey, he’s been a champion for our students, particularly those from underrepresented communities. I am delighted to welcome Tony as our as our commencement speaker.”

Wells served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps and holds a BS degree from the United States Naval Academy. He earned a Management Certificate from the Leadership Development Program at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

Each ceremony will also welcome a student speaker. Business Analytics and Risk Management MS candidate Vivian Wu will speak during the ceremony for master’s students. MBA candidate Anny Johanna Gonzalez Polanco will speak for graduates during the MBA ceremony. Members of the Carey community nominated both students.

The graduation ceremonies will be at the Joseph A. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.