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    Anthony Citrano

    Anthony Citrano

    Operating executive with 20+ years experience from early stage to the Fortune 15. CEO/COO/CCO with particular strength in communications and strategy.

    Advisor Los Angeles University of Souther...
    citrano.com
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    Experience
    Verizon
    Verizon
    VP Communications 2013 - 2017 (about 3 years)
    Following Verizon’s acquisition of EdgeCast Networks, I led strategic communications for the business unit, reporting directly to the CMO. I was responsible for external positioning... more and executive communications supporting Verizon’s digital and cloud initiatives.

    This included serving as a primary spokesperson and evangelist across communications, speaking engagements, and outreach to industries including cloud, SaaS, enterprise, fashion, and media & entertainment.

    A core focus was closing the perception gap between Verizon’s strength as a wireless brand and its expanding capabilities in digital media services. We executed a multi-channel brand and communications strategy designed to reach C- and VP-level decision makers with clear business messaging while simultaneously cultivating technical champions within target organizations.
    EdgeCast Networks
    Exit
    EdgeCast Networks
    VP Communications and Marketing 2007 - 2013 (almost 7 years)
    I joined EdgeCast in stealth and helped launch the company as a new challenger in the content delivery and intelligent cloud market. As a member of the executive leadership... more team reporting directly to the CEO, I built and led the marketing and communications function, spanning brand, positioning, go-to-market communications, and executive outreach.

    Over a few years, EdgeCast scaled from an unknown startup to carrying nearly 10% of global internet traffic, supporting some of the world’s busiest platforms (including Pinterest, SoundCloud, Tumblr, and Twitter) and major global brands (including Disney, Mercedes-Benz, and Kellogg) as they made large digital investments.

    Our growth was driven by a dual-audience strategy: establishing credibility with C-suite decision-makers through clear business positioning while simultaneously engaging technical audiences with focused, technically-substantive messaging that differentiated us from incumbents such as Akamai and emerging competitors such as Cloudflare and Amazon's AWS.

    I was deeply involved in the M&A process with Verizon as a key executive, from early strategic discussions through acquisition and integration.
    Founder
     
    Employee
    EdgeCast Networks, fama PR, BrainPaste, Verizon, R3Media, State of Maine, Acquicent, Colony
    Investor
     
    Incubator
     
    Advisor
     
    Attorney
     
    Board Member
     
    Mentor
    Amplify.LA Capital
    Member
     
    Acquired
     
     
    Education
     
    About
    Achievements

    I've served at companies from pre-revenue startups to Fortune 20 enterprises. As a founder-CEO, COO, and Chief Communications Officer, I've been the operator making decisions and the executive translating and communicating them.

    My career spans media & streaming, internet infrastructure, and SaaS - domains where explaining what you do is as critical as building it. I speak both technical and business, able to turn complex technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives.

    At EdgeCast, I built the communications and marketing organization from inception through $100M+ in ARR. After its $400M acquisition by Verizon, I became head of communications for Verizon Digital. As interim COO at Colony, I directed strategy, an acquisition, and post-integration brand positioning.

    I've also founded and led venture-backed companies - including Acquicent (fintech/SaaS) and fama PR (a boutique communications firm) - giving me a full-stack understanding of what operating executives face.

    Describe the most impressive thing you've done.
    Skills
    Communications Public Relations Creative Direction Advisor Board Member Management Startup Founder Executive Management Business Development Branding Advertising Marketing Strategy Communication Skills Brand Management Business Strategy
    Locations
    Los Angeles Silicon Valley
     
    Q&A
    What words of advice would you give your younger self?

    Just go for it. No one else knows what they're doing, either.

    What's the most creative thing you've ever done?

    Maybe not the most creative - but perhaps the most surprising creative thing I've done: designed a pair of women's shoes with an automotive theme. They look cooler than they sound. Ask me for the sketches!

    Which founders or startups do you most admire?

    Those who weren't born into wealth and/or privilege.

    What's your super power?

    Either seeing around corners or communication.

    What's the best way for people to get in touch with you?

    Email.

    What words of wisdom do you live by?

    The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you. [David Foster Wallace]

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