Verizon Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Verizon has 10 executives leading key functions including event management, corporate communications, business development, network technology, and sales operations.

Focused on building robust digital infrastructure, Verizon delivers advanced connectivity solutions that empower global communities and drive enterprise productivity through reliable, high-speed network services.

Leadership Roles at Verizon

  • Senior VP, Corporate Business Development & Chief Operating Officer, Verizon Ventures - Colleen Cunniffe
  • Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff (West) - Ashley Ostrander
  • Senior Vice President Chief of Staff Team, Employee Communications, Engagement and Volunteerism - Mark Piccoli
  • Global Networks & Technology Chief of Staff - Irene Hukkelhoven
  • BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff - Eric Farnell
  • Chief of Staff & Director - Katherine Koch
  • Head To of Dei Strategy, Operations Chief of Staff - Benjamin Ellis
  • Chief Sales Officer (CSO) - Kevin Zavaglia
  • Customer Experience & Transformation Chief of Staff - Vasanth Alli
  • Director I, Operations Support & To Chief of Staff & Vice President, Virtualized Network Operations & Engineering - Florentino Parra
  • Colleen Cunniffe - Senior VP, Corporate Business Development & Chief Operating Officer, Verizon Ventures

    Colleen Cunniffe, the Senior VP, Corporate Business Development & Chief Operating Officer, Verizon Ventures at Verizon, manages strategic partnerships and investment portfolios that accelerate technological innovation. Cunniffe identifies emerging market opportunities to expand the company's digital service offerings. By overseeing the operational framework of the venture arm, the Senior VP ensures that capital allocation aligns with the organization's growth objectives. Cunniffe directs complex negotiations and business development activities that integrate new technologies into the existing network infrastructure. This leadership role involves close coordination with the Board to evaluate long-term market trends and competitive positioning. Through rigorous analysis of startup ecosystems, Colleen Cunniffe drives the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that enhance customer connectivity. The Senior VP maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every investment supports the company's mission to provide comprehensive technology solutions for businesses and consumers.
    Colleen Cunniffe

    Ashley Ostrander - Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff (West)

    Ashley Ostrander, the Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff (West) at Verizon, directs strategic planning for large-scale corporate engagements across the western region. Ostrander coordinates cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of high-visibility programs that highlight the company's telecommunications capabilities. By aligning event objectives with broader corporate messaging, the Chief of Staff facilitates meaningful interactions between the organization and key stakeholders. Ostrander manages resource allocation and operational workflows to maximize the impact of every initiative. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with marketing and sales departments to amplify brand presence in competitive markets. Through meticulous oversight of logistical requirements, Ashley Ostrander maintains high standards for professional engagement. The Chief of Staff consistently optimizes internal processes to support the company's mission of connecting people through innovative technology and reliable network infrastructure.

    Mark Piccoli - Senior Vice President Chief of Staff Team, Employee Communications, Engagement and Volunteerism

    Mark Piccoli, the Senior Vice President Chief of Staff Team, Employee Communications, Engagement and Volunteerism at Verizon, architects internal engagement strategies that foster a culture of collaboration. Piccoli oversees the dissemination of corporate information to ensure alignment across the global workforce. By managing volunteerism programs, the Senior Vice President strengthens the company's commitment to community development and social responsibility. Piccoli drives initiatives that enhance employee morale and productivity, directly supporting the organization's long-term business goals. This leadership role requires constant interaction with executive leadership to refine communication channels and engagement metrics. Through the implementation of digital platforms, Mark Piccoli streamlines internal feedback loops and promotes transparency. The Senior Vice President ensures that every communication strategy reflects the core values of the company, ultimately reinforcing the brand's reputation as a leader in the telecommunications and technology sector.

    Irene Hukkelhoven - Global Networks & Technology Chief of Staff

    Irene Hukkelhoven, the Global Networks & Technology Chief of Staff at Verizon, coordinates the strategic operations of the company's massive network infrastructure. Hukkelhoven manages the integration of advanced digital technologies to ensure reliable connectivity for global clients. By facilitating communication between engineering teams and executive leadership, the Chief of Staff optimizes the deployment of next-generation network services. Hukkelhoven oversees project timelines and resource distribution to maintain the company's competitive edge in the telecommunications industry. This leadership role requires deep technical understanding and the ability to translate complex network requirements into actionable business strategies. Through the implementation of efficient operational protocols, Irene Hukkelhoven supports the continuous improvement of network performance. The Chief of Staff ensures that all technological advancements align with the organization's commitment to providing high-quality communication and collaboration tools for government agencies and private organizations.

    Eric Farnell - BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff

    Eric Farnell, the BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff at Verizon, directs business continuity and emergency management protocols to safeguard critical network operations. Farnell architects response strategies that ensure service reliability during unforeseen disruptions. By managing cross-departmental coordination, the Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of the company's infrastructure across diverse geographic regions. Farnell oversees the development of risk mitigation plans that protect the organization's ability to provide essential communication services. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of operational threats and the execution of recovery procedures to minimize downtime. Through the alignment of emergency management with corporate goals, Eric Farnell ensures that the company remains a dependable partner for businesses and government entities. The Chief of Staff continuously refines operational processes to enhance resilience, supporting the company's mission of connecting communities through robust and secure technology solutions.

    Katherine Koch - Chief of Staff & Director

    Katherine Koch, the Chief of Staff & Director at Verizon, manages high-level administrative and strategic functions that support the executive leadership team. Koch oversees the execution of corporate initiatives and ensures that departmental goals align with the company's overarching mission. By facilitating communication between various business units, the Chief of Staff streamlines decision-making processes and improves operational efficiency. Koch directs the development of strategic plans that address the evolving needs of the telecommunications market. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with senior management to monitor performance metrics and drive organizational growth. Through the implementation of effective management practices, Katherine Koch ensures that the company maintains its position as a leader in digital and technology solutions. The Chief of Staff focuses on optimizing internal workflows to support the delivery of innovative services that enable communication, collaboration, and productivity for a diverse global customer base.

    Benjamin Ellis - Head To of Dei Strategy, Operations Chief of Staff

    Benjamin Ellis, the Head To of Dei Strategy, Operations Chief of Staff at Verizon, architects diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that strengthen the company's internal culture. Ellis manages the operational aspects of these strategies to ensure measurable progress across all business units. By integrating DEI principles into core operations, the Chief of Staff fosters an environment that encourages innovation and diverse perspectives. Ellis directs the development of programs that support employee growth and organizational inclusivity. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with human resources and executive leadership to align diversity goals with the company's broader business objectives. Through the analysis of workforce data, Benjamin Ellis identifies opportunities to enhance engagement and productivity. The Chief of Staff ensures that the company's commitment to diversity remains a central component of its mission to connect people and communities through advanced technology and inclusive services.

    Kevin Zavaglia - Chief Sales Officer (CSO)

    Kevin Zavaglia, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Verizon, directs the global sales strategy for the company's comprehensive portfolio of communication and technology solutions. Zavaglia oversees the sales teams responsible for serving businesses, government agencies, and organizations across diverse industries. By identifying new market opportunities and expanding the customer base, the Chief Sales Officer drives revenue growth and market share. Zavaglia manages the implementation of sales processes that enhance customer acquisition and retention. This leadership role involves close coordination with product development and marketing teams to ensure that sales strategies reflect the company's innovative service offerings. Through the optimization of sales channels, Kevin Zavaglia ensures that the organization effectively meets the connectivity needs of its clients. The Chief Sales Officer maintains a focus on delivering high-value solutions that enable communication, collaboration, and productivity, supporting the company's mission to provide reliable network infrastructure.

    Vasanth Alli - Customer Experience & Transformation Chief of Staff

    Vasanth Alli, the Customer Experience & Transformation Chief of Staff at Verizon, directs initiatives aimed at improving the end-to-end customer journey. Alli manages the transformation of service delivery models to ensure seamless interactions across all digital and physical touchpoints. By analyzing customer feedback and operational data, the Chief of Staff identifies areas for improvement and implements strategies that enhance satisfaction. Alli oversees the coordination of cross-functional teams to drive the adoption of new technologies that simplify the user experience. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with product and support departments to align service delivery with the company's commitment to reliability. Through the implementation of customer-centric processes, Vasanth Alli supports the organization's goal of providing superior communication and technology solutions. The Chief of Staff ensures that every transformation effort contributes to the company's mission of connecting people and businesses through innovative and efficient services.

    Florentino Parra - Director I, Operations Support & To Chief of Staff & Vice President, Virtualized Network Operations & Engineering

    Florentino Parra, the Director I, Operations Support & To Chief of Staff & Vice President, Virtualized Network Operations & Engineering at Verizon, architects the deployment of virtualized network infrastructure to enhance service scalability. Parra manages the engineering teams responsible for maintaining the integrity and performance of the company's digital network. By overseeing operations support, the Vice President ensures that network services remain reliable for consumers and businesses alike. Parra directs the integration of advanced engineering solutions that support the company's commitment to high-speed connectivity. This leadership role involves constant coordination with technical teams to optimize network architecture and reduce latency. Through the implementation of virtualized technologies, Florentino Parra drives the evolution of the company's infrastructure. The Vice President focuses on delivering robust and innovative network services that enable communication, collaboration, and productivity, supporting the organization's mission to provide comprehensive technology solutions on a global scale.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Verizon Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Verizon?
    Verizon is led by Colleen Cunniffe (Senior VP, Corporate Business Development & Chief Operating Officer, Verizon Ventures), along with executives such as Ashley Ostrander (Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff (West)) and Mark Piccoli (Senior Vice President Chief of Staff Team, Employee Communications, Engagement and Volunteerism).
    Who is part of Verizon’s executive team?
    The executive team of Verizon includes leaders such as Colleen Cunniffe (Senior VP, Corporate Business Development & Chief Operating Officer, Verizon Ventures), Ashley Ostrander (Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff (West)), Mark Piccoli (Senior Vice President Chief of Staff Team, Employee Communications, Engagement and Volunteerism) 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 Senior VP, Corporate Business Development & Chief Operating Officer, Verizon Ventures, Global Event Management Center Chief of Staff (West), Senior Vice President Chief of Staff Team, Employee Communications, Engagement and Volunteerism, Global Networks & Technology Chief of Staff, BCEM Manager and Chief of Staff.