With more than 30 years of telecom and executive leadership experience, Mr. Chestnutt has led corporate strategy for Fortune 100 companies, scaled startups to successful exits, and advised global telecoms operators and investors on strategic growth and transformation initiatives.

Before joining A&M, Mr. Chestnutt held a series of senior strategy and leadership roles, including Corporate Vice President for the Americas at Motorola Network, where he helped lead the transition of the business to Nokia Siemens Networks. Earlier in his career, he was Chairman and CEO of Grande Communications, leading the company from startup to exit, and held senior positions at Sprint Nextel Corporation, Nextel Communications, PrimeCo Personal Communications, and AirTouch Communications. 

His notable assignments include serving as Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Strategy Officer at Verizon, where he was a leader in corporate strategy, business development, joint ventures, strategic investments, and M&A. He has also served on the boards of Telstra, Intelsat, and Digital Turbine and previously held board roles with the Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and the GSMA, where he chaired the Chief Strategy Officers group of 25 global strategists from leading carriers. He also served as a Senior Advisor to Blackstone. Prior to his appointment as EVP at Verizon in 2013, Mr. Chestnutt was Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, responsible for developing and executing Verizon’s strategic roadmap for new markets, solutions, and services that leveraged the company’s assets across all lines of business.

Mr. Chestnutt earned a BBA from San José State University and an MBA in general management and international business from the University of San Francisco. He has also served on the board of trustees for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.