Dan Schulman Takes Charge at Verizon: Powering the Next Revolution in Connectivity, Culture, and Purpose
When Dan Schulman stepped into his new role as Chief Executive Officer of Verizon on October 6, 2025, it wasn’t just a passing of the torch — it was a defining moment in corporate leadership. A new era began at one of the world’s most iconic companies, with a leader whose career has been built on a simple, yet powerful philosophy: lead with purpose, empower people, and let progress follow.
Verizon, a company that has connected millions across the world, is now ready to connect more deeply – with people, ideas, and possibilities. And at the center of this transformation stands Dan Schulman – a seasoned innovator, a purpose-driven visionary, and a leader who believes that success without soul is no success at all.
A Leader Returns Home
Schulman’s appointment is not just a professional milestone – it’s a full-circle moment. Long before becoming one of the world’s most influential business figures, he began his journey at NJ Bell, a predecessor of Verizon, as an Assistant Account Executive. What started as an entry-level role in telecommunications has now come back around — only this time, he returns to lead the industry itself.
After 25 years in the telecom sector and nearly a decade revolutionizing global finance at PayPal, Schulman’s return to Verizon feels like destiny coming home. “Today I have the honor of being appointed as Verizon’s CEO, and I could not be more excited,” he shared with employees on his first day. “In many ways, this is like coming home for me.”
His appointment follows the leadership of Hans Vestberg, who served as Verizon’s CEO since 2018. Schulman credits Vestberg for building “an unmatched network and innovative culture,” acknowledging his strategic vision behind Verizon’s 5G expansion, the purchase of C-Band spectrum, and the pending $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications, which will anchor Verizon’s broadband leadership for years to come.
Vestberg will remain on the Board of Directors through 2026 and serve as Special Advisor through next year to guide the completion of the acquisition – ensuring Verizon’s transformation continues with strength and stability.
From PayPal to Verizon: Redefining Leadership in the Digital Age
Before stepping into Verizon’s corner office, Schulman spent nearly a decade leading PayPal, where he transformed the company from a digital payments platform into a global force for financial inclusion.
Under his leadership, PayPal evolved into something far greater than a financial technology company — it became a mission-driven ecosystem empowering people worldwide to participate in the digital economy. Millions of small businesses and individuals gained access to financial tools that once seemed out of reach.
But Schulman’s true impact at PayPal wasn’t measured in revenue alone. It was measured in values. He restructured wages to ensure every employee earned a living income, championed diversity, and pushed for social progress within corporate walls. His philosophy was clear: companies that do good, do well.
“The lessons that mattered most weren’t about technology or scale,” Schulman reflected. “They were about culture, listening to customers, and empowering teams to drive real change.”
That belief now forms the foundation of Verizon’s next phase of growth.
Global Recognition, Human Impact
Schulman’s leadership has been celebrated across industries and continents. He’s been named among Fortune’s Top 20 Businesspersons of the Year, one of Glassdoor’s Top 50 CEOs, and a Ripple of Hope laureate by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Organization.
In 2021, he earned a place among the Top 3 on Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders list, recognized for his empathy, vision, and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic – a time when many companies focused on survival, but Schulman focused on the human spirit.
His accolades also include the Frederick Douglass Award (The New York Urban League), Voices of Solidarity Award (Vital Voices), Endeavor Global’s High-Impact Leader of the Year, and the Brennan Legacy Award.
But beyond the titles and trophies, what sets Schulman apart is his commitment to authentic, human-centered leadership. He listens deeply, leads inclusively, and believes in empowering teams from the inside out.
The Man Behind the Mission
A graduate of Middlebury College and NYU’s Stern School of Business, Schulman is also a Board Member of PayPal, a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Steering Committee on Global Financial Inclusion.
Outside of the boardroom, Schulman’s life mirrors his leadership philosophy – grounded, disciplined, and balanced. He’s an avid mixed martial arts practitioner, a passion that reflects his belief in focus, humility, and continuous self-improvement. Those who know him often say his discipline on the mat is the same discipline that drives his success in the boardroom.
Vision 2026: Where Technology Meets Trust
In his first message to employees, Schulman outlined his roadmap for Verizon’s future – one built around speed, boldness, and customer devotion.
“We are going to move quickly and boldly to win in both mobility and broadband,” he said. “I fully intend for us to regain our leadership by growing share across all segments of the market, by consistently delighting our customers. The biggest competitive advantage we have is our team.”
This marks a shift in tone – a blend of ambition with authenticity. Schulman aims not just to strengthen Verizon’s market presence but to reignite its emotional connection with customers.
His strategy focuses on four core pillars:
- Customer Obsession: Rebuilding trust and loyalty through innovation and service excellence.
- Inclusive Growth: Expanding digital access to empower underserved communities.
- Empowered Teams: Fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and creativity.
- Sustainable Leadership: Balancing financial performance with long-term impact.
For Schulman, the future of Verizon is not just about connectivity – it’s about possibility.
Leading the Future – With Heart
As Verizon charges ahead, Schulman’s leadership arrives at a time when technology is redefining every aspect of life and work. Yet his approach reminds us that true innovation isn’t only about speed or scale – it’s about soul.
He once said, “Leadership is about courage – the courage to stand for what’s right, to put people first, and to build something that outlasts us.”
That’s exactly the kind of leadership Verizon — and the world — needs now.
With Dan Schulman at the helm, Verizon’s next era promises more than stronger networks and faster speeds. It promises a company with heart – one that connects people, drives progress, and builds trust in a digital world that needs it more than ever.
The revolution isn’t just technological. It’s human.
And for Verizon, it starts today.
CXO Gateway Connection: Honoring Leaders Who Inspire Change
At CXO Gateway, we celebrate leaders like Dan Schulman who embody the true essence of transformative leadership – where innovation meets integrity, and business success drives social progress. His appointment at Verizon reinforces the values we champion: purposeful leadership, human-centric growth, and bold decision-making that shapes industries and inspires future CXOs worldwide.