Zayo Appointed New Communications and Marketing Lead

Telecom operators should note the hire as Zayo looks to increase brand visibility in the growing AI economy.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People

Zayo Appointed New Communications and Marketing Lead

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Zayo has appointed Mariana Agathoklis Schlock as Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Marketing Officer to oversee integrated communications and ESG functions. She reports directly to CEO Sowmyanarayan Sampath.

Why it matters

The hire aims to elevate Zayo's market presence and commercial visibility as the company aligns its branding strategy with the expansion of the AI economy.

Agathoklis Schlock brings experience from her time at Verizon, where she supported a business unit generating $100 billion in annual revenue. Her background includes a 9-year tenure at Verizon and 12 years at MTV.

The players

Mariana Agathoklis Schlock

Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Marketing Officer who previously spent nine years at Verizon and twelve years at MTV.

Sowmyanarayan Sampath

Chief Executive Officer of Zayo who will oversee the new executive hire.

Zayo

A telecommunications infrastructure company focused on fiber connectivity and scaling services for the AI economy.

The details

Agathoklis Schlock will manage integrated communications, marketing, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) functions at Zayo. Her role involves coordinating engagement across internal and external stakeholders, including employees, customers, industry partners, and investors. This strategic move is intended to unify brand messaging as the firm scales its operations.

October 11, 2026: Zayo announced the appointment of Agathoklis Schlock.

Market Landscape

This appointment follows a broader industry trend where connectivity firms are pivoting their messaging to highlight their role as essential utility providers for AI-driven data centers. Zayo is positioning itself to compete more aggressively in the AI infrastructure space.

Operators should monitor whether Zayo's refreshed brand strategy leads to new service bundling or clearer positioning for enterprise clients. Review your own firm's communication strategy to ensure it aligns with the technical demands of your current customer base.

The takeaway

When high-level marketing leaders are brought in from major consumer-facing brands, it is a signal to watch for a shift in how infrastructure companies sell to smaller business operators. Monitor Zayo's public-facing communications in the coming months for changes in value proposition messaging.