David Edelman — Executive Advisor | Public Speaker | HBS Faculty | Bestselling Author | Helping CEOs & CMOs Transform Marketing and Growth with AI

About David

I help CEOs, CMOs, and Boards navigate growth, marketing transformation, and the practical adoption of AI. Named in the "AI Trailblazers Power 100" by AdWeek, my work sits at the intersection of customer strategy, AI, personalization, and modern marketing operations. As a former CMO, long-time partner at McKinsey, Digitas, and BCG, HBS faculty member, and co-author of Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI (HBR Press), I bring a rare mix of strategy depth and hands-on operating experience. Over my career, I’ve helped Fortune 500 companies rewire their go-to-market systems, design new operating models, modernize customer engagement, and accelerate growth. Earlier, I helped introduce widely adopted concepts such as the Customer Decision Journey and Segment-of-One Marketing. I have been repeatedly recognized by Forbes as one of the “Most Influential CMOs in the World,” and by AdWeek as one of the “Top 20 Marketing and Technology Executives.” Today, through Edelman Advisory Services, I work with CEOs, CMOs, Boards, and private equity portfolio leaders on: • How do we turn AI and personalization into impact, not hype? • How should our marketing, analytics, content, and digital teams be structured? • How does a new CMO make the right moves in their first 180 days? • What should Boards know about AI, risk, governance, and commercial opportunity? I also speak at global conferences and lead leadership offsites on: • AI’s real impact on marketing and growth • Personalization at scale • Customer decision journey transformation • Rewiring organizations for digital performance My writing has attracted more than 1.1 million LinkedIn followers, and my book hit #4 on USA Today’s bestselling business books. I serve on corporate and non-profit boards, and also advise multiple venture and PE firms. If you want to explore a keynote, workshop, or advisory engagement, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to discuss challenges you’re facing and share perspectives.