Verizon Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Verizon has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, strategic operations, product development, and customer experience transformation.

Focused on building robust network infrastructure, Verizon delivers advanced digital solutions that empower global connectivity and drive productivity for businesses, government agencies, and consumers across diverse industries.

Leadership Roles at Verizon

  • Chief Information Officer - Vivek Gurumurthy
  • Chief of Staff - Kelsey Ernest
  • BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff - Eric Farnell
  • Senior Director, Insights Enablement and Innovation and Chief of Staff - Laila Forster
  • Manager, Technology & The Chief of Staff & Vice President, Device Technology - Alexandre De Melo
  • Customer Operations, Experience & Digital L Value Brands Chief of Staff - Stephen Willig
  • Director, Chief of Staff for the Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development - Emily Lee
  • Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff - Annie McArdle
  • IT Chief of Staff - Elise O'Neill
  • Customer Experience & Transformation Chief of Staff - Vasanth Alli
  • Vivek Gurumurthy - Chief Information Officer

    Vivek Gurumurthy, the Chief Information Officer at Verizon, directs the enterprise-wide digital architecture and technology roadmap. Overseeing the integration of advanced network systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that internal data platforms support the massive scale of global telecommunications operations. This leadership role involves managing complex cybersecurity frameworks and cloud infrastructure to maintain service reliability for millions of users. By optimizing internal software ecosystems, Vivek Gurumurthy directly impacts the efficiency of the entire technology stack. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with engineering teams to accelerate the deployment of next-generation connectivity solutions. Through rigorous oversight of digital transformation initiatives, Gurumurthy secures the technological foundation necessary for sustained market leadership. This position requires constant alignment with evolving industry standards to ensure that the company remains at the forefront of the global digital landscape while supporting critical business functions.
    Vivek Gurumurthy

    Kelsey Ernest - Chief of Staff

    Kelsey Ernest, the Chief of Staff at Verizon, coordinates executive priorities and streamlines cross-functional communication across the organization. Managing the flow of strategic initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that leadership objectives align with the broader mission of providing reliable network infrastructure. This role involves facilitating high-level decision-making processes and monitoring the execution of key corporate projects. By bridging gaps between departments, Kelsey Ernest enhances operational agility and fosters a culture of collaboration. The Chief of Staff maintains a comprehensive view of the company's performance metrics, providing actionable insights to senior management. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, Ernest supports the successful delivery of communication and technology services. This position requires deep understanding of the company's market position to effectively manage the executive agenda and drive organizational progress in a competitive telecommunications environment.

    Eric Farnell - BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff

    Eric Farnell, the BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff at Verizon, oversees business continuity and emergency management protocols to ensure network resilience. Directing the response strategies for critical infrastructure, the BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff maintains operational stability during unforeseen disruptions. This role involves coordinating with technical teams to safeguard connectivity services for government agencies and enterprise clients. By implementing rigorous risk mitigation frameworks, Eric Farnell protects the integrity of the company's global network assets. The BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff facilitates communication between operational units to ensure rapid recovery and service continuity. Through proactive planning and resource management, Farnell supports the company's commitment to reliable communication. This position requires constant vigilance and strategic foresight to address potential threats to the digital ecosystem, ensuring that the organization remains operational under diverse and challenging conditions.

    Laila Forster - Senior Director, Insights Enablement and Innovation and Chief of Staff

    Laila Forster, the Senior Director, Insights Enablement and Innovation and Chief of Staff at Verizon, drives data-driven decision-making and fosters a culture of technological advancement. Overseeing the development of analytical tools, the Senior Director, Insights Enablement and Innovation and Chief of Staff ensures that business units leverage actionable intelligence to improve service delivery. This role involves identifying emerging market trends and integrating innovative solutions into the company's product portfolio. By championing internal research and development, Laila Forster accelerates the adoption of new digital technologies. The Senior Director, Insights Enablement and Innovation and Chief of Staff coordinates with cross-functional teams to refine customer engagement strategies. Through the application of advanced analytics, Forster enhances the company's ability to meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses. This position requires a focus on long-term growth and the continuous improvement of the organization's competitive edge.

    Alexandre De Melo - Manager, Technology & The Chief of Staff & Vice President, Device Technology

    Alexandre De Melo, the Manager, Technology & The Chief of Staff & Vice President, Device Technology at Verizon, leads the strategic development and integration of hardware solutions within the network ecosystem. Overseeing the lifecycle of device technology, the Manager, Technology & The Chief of Staff & Vice President, Device Technology ensures that all hardware meets the rigorous performance standards required for modern connectivity. This role involves collaborating with global manufacturers to bring innovative devices to market. By managing the technical specifications and compatibility of new equipment, Alexandre De Melo supports the company's commitment to high-quality service. The Manager, Technology & The Chief of Staff & Vice President, Device Technology coordinates with product teams to align hardware capabilities with digital service offerings. Through technical leadership, De Melo drives the adoption of advanced devices that enhance the user experience and expand the company's market reach.

    Stephen Willig - Customer Operations, Experience & Digital L Value Brands Chief of Staff

    Stephen Willig, the Customer Operations, Experience & Digital L Value Brands Chief of Staff at Verizon, optimizes the digital interface and operational workflows for value-focused market segments. Overseeing the customer journey, the Customer Operations, Experience & Digital L Value Brands Chief of Staff ensures that digital platforms provide seamless access to communication services. This role involves refining operational processes to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. By analyzing user feedback and digital performance metrics, Stephen Willig drives continuous improvement in service delivery. The Customer Operations, Experience & Digital L Value Brands Chief of Staff coordinates with marketing and technical teams to align digital offerings with consumer expectations. Through strategic oversight of value brand operations, Willig supports the company's goal of expanding its customer base. This position requires a deep focus on digital transformation and the delivery of accessible, high-quality technology solutions.

    Emily Lee - Director, Chief of Staff for the Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development

    Emily Lee, the Director, Chief of Staff for the Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development at Verizon, manages the strategic agenda for the technology and product development divisions. Overseeing the coordination of complex development projects, the Director, Chief of Staff for the Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development ensures that engineering efforts align with the company's innovation goals. This role involves facilitating communication between technical leads and executive leadership to streamline product roadmaps. By managing resource allocation and project timelines, Emily Lee supports the rapid deployment of new digital services. The Director, Chief of Staff for the Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure they meet quality and performance benchmarks. Through effective project governance, Lee enables the organization to maintain its position as a leader in telecommunications and technology solutions.

    Annie McArdle - Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff

    Annie McArdle, the Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff at Verizon, directs the operational logistics and strategic planning for large-scale corporate events and global engagements. Overseeing the coordination of event resources, the Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff ensures that all activities reflect the company's commitment to connectivity and innovation. This role involves managing complex schedules and stakeholder expectations to deliver impactful experiences. By aligning event strategies with corporate objectives, Annie McArdle enhances the company's brand presence and engagement with key partners. The Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff coordinates with internal departments to ensure seamless execution of global initiatives. Through meticulous planning and operational oversight, McArdle supports the company's efforts to connect with communities and businesses worldwide. This position requires a focus on precision and the ability to manage high-stakes environments to achieve organizational goals.

    Elise O'Neill - IT Chief of Staff

    Elise O'Neill, the IT Chief of Staff at Verizon, manages the administrative and strategic functions of the information technology department. Overseeing the internal IT roadmap, the IT Chief of Staff ensures that technology investments support the company's broader digital infrastructure goals. This role involves coordinating with IT leadership to prioritize projects and allocate resources effectively. By streamlining communication within the technology division, Elise O'Neill improves operational efficiency and project delivery. The IT Chief of Staff monitors the performance of internal systems to ensure they meet the needs of the organization's diverse workforce. Through strategic planning and process optimization, O'Neill supports the company's commitment to maintaining a robust and secure digital environment. This position requires a deep understanding of IT operations and the ability to align technical initiatives with the company's overall mission of providing reliable connectivity.

    Vasanth Alli - Customer Experience & Transformation Chief of Staff

    Vasanth Alli, the Customer Experience & Transformation Chief of Staff at Verizon, leads initiatives to modernize the customer journey and drive organizational transformation. Overseeing the implementation of new service models, the Customer Experience & Transformation Chief of Staff ensures that the company's digital offerings meet the evolving needs of its diverse client base. This role involves identifying opportunities for process improvement and integrating customer-centric strategies across all business units. By analyzing service data, Vasanth Alli drives the adoption of innovative solutions that enhance the overall user experience. The Customer Experience & Transformation Chief of Staff coordinates with cross-functional teams to execute large-scale transformation projects. Through strategic oversight, Alli supports the company's goal of delivering superior connectivity and technology services. This position requires a focus on continuous improvement and the ability to navigate complex organizational changes to achieve long-term success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Verizon Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Verizon?
    Verizon is led by Vivek Gurumurthy (Chief Information Officer), along with executives such as Kelsey Ernest (Chief of Staff) and Eric Farnell (BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Verizon’s executive team?
    The executive team of Verizon includes leaders such as Vivek Gurumurthy (Chief Information Officer), Kelsey Ernest (Chief of Staff), Eric Farnell (BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Verizon have?
    Verizon has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Verizon’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Verizon includes roles such as Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff, BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff, Senior Director, Insights Enablement and Innovation and Chief of Staff, Manager, Technology & The Chief of Staff & Vice President, Device Technology.