Kellyn Smith Kenny, an award-winning global executive, has been making waves in the telecommunications industry since assuming the role of Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at AT&T Communications in November 2020. Recognized for her analytical prowess, customer insight, and leadership, Kenny has brought a wealth of experience from her distinguished career spanning iconic brands across various industries.
Before joining AT&T, Kenny served as the global Chief Marketing Officer at Hilton Worldwide, where she led marketing for the company's 18 trading brands, including renowned names such as Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Under her leadership, she propelled Hilton's marketing capability to efficiently drive growth, deliver enduring brand value, and improve global core economics.
Kenny's career journey also includes senior positions at Uber Technologies, Capital One Financial, and Microsoft Corporation. At Uber, she led the global marketing organization, achieving remarkable top-line growth and bottom-line efficiencies. During her tenure at Capital One, Kenny pioneered agile delivery within the Consumer Banking division, fostering breakout growth and innovation.
As the Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at AT&T Communications, Kenny plays a crucial role in accelerating customer acquisition, increasing customer lifetime value, and strengthening AT&T's premium position. Her responsibilities encompass advertising, brand strategy, media planning, market research, and strategic partnerships, all contributing to the company's strategic growth initiatives.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kenny holds an undergraduate degree in Economics with a minor in Computer Science from Colgate University and an MBA in Management & Strategy, Decision Analytics, and Marketing from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.
In a recent interview, Kenny shared insights into her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful decision-making process. Her approach involves a meticulous pause, identification of root causes, alignment on a clear frame of reference for success, and data-driven analysis. Kenny values diverse perspectives, fostering an environment where both quantitative and qualitative data guide strategic initiatives.
Moreover, Kenny expressed her excitement about the transformative potential of AT&T's combined power of 5G and fiber. She believes these technologies will serve as the digital backbone for the country's economy, blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds. As AT&T continues its historic investments in fiber and 5G networks, Kenny anticipates groundbreaking innovations and a connected world that goes beyond current possibilities.
Kenny's leadership at AT&T reflects a commitment to innovation, connectivity, and addressing the digital divide. With a focus on closing technology gaps and engaging communities, she is playing a pivotal role in AT&T's mission to provide high-speed, reliable broadband connectivity to all Americans.