Most recently, John Hayes was chief marketing officer of American Express. He has overseen the company’s marketing efforts worldwide, shaping products, strategy, sales and operations for the past 21 years.
As a member of Amex’s officers group, Hayes has been at the center of developing the company’s strategic direction, overseeing the management of its businesses and geographies, developing new products, as well as working with the board on key corporate decisions and initiatives.
In American Express’ matrix organization, his organization was integrated with the company’s major divisions and operating units through global brand management, digital marketing, product marketing, marketing research and all traditional and digital advertising, as well as American Express’ publishing business. Over the past 21 years, his work has resulted in many of the most innovative marketing programs in financial services, as well as major product launches including B to C products (Blue, Centurion) and B to B services (Plum and Open). He has created products and programs to help small and medium sized businesses grow revenues through their relationships with American Express.
More recently, Hayes took responsibility for many of Amex’s new digital business lines. These include products and partnerships that are enabling card members to use their points as virtual currency for small transactions such as taxis, Uber and McDonald’s. In addition, he has been on point for forging relationships with corporate partners, including Apple, AirBnB, Facebook, Google and Samsung.
Hayes has served on a number of boards, including Keurig Green Mountain from 2014-2016, Save the Children, Seton Hall University, “The Well” at Charity Water as well as the Yahoo, Inc. board from 2012-2014.
Today, Hayes advises a group of companies on growth and customer strategies, ranging from Fortune 100 companies to digital start-ups. He also is a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company, advising both McKinsey’s internal groups as well as their clients.
Hayes also is a fellow in Harvard Business School’s Advanced Leadership Initiative.
Prior to joining American Express, Hayes was president of Lowe and Partners and also held senior positions at Geer DuBois, Ammirati and Puris, and Saatchi & Saatchi. He received a BA in communications from Seton Hall University.