Mirror Review
October 07, 2025
Verizon’s Board of Directors has appointed Dan Schulman, the former PayPal CEO and longtime board member, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
He replaces Hans Vestberg, who will stay on as Special Advisor through 2026, overseeing the smooth integration of the pending $20 billion Frontier Communications acquisition.
Schulman steps in at a key time when Verizon is working to regain leadership in mobility and broadband while maintaining financial discipline.
In his own words, Schulman said, “Verizon is at a critical juncture. We have a clear opportunity to redefine our trajectory… and deliver sustainable long-term growth for our shareholders.”
Here are 10 Dan Schulman facts that show why Verizon’s Board trusted him to lead the next phase of its journey.
10 Remarkable Facts About Dan Schulman – The CEO of Verizon
1. He Turned PayPal Into a $30 Billion Powerhouse
During his nine years as PayPal CEO (2014–2023), Schulman transformed it into a global payments leader.
He tripled revenue from $8 billion to $30 billion, grew earnings per share fivefold, and expanded PayPal’s customer base to over 435 million users.
His leadership made PayPal one of the world’s most trusted digital finance platforms.
2. Verizon Is Not New Territory for Dan Schulman
Before becoming CEO, Schulman had already been part of Verizon’s leadership. He joined Verizon’s Board in 2018 and became Lead Independent Director in December 2024.
This insider familiarity gives him a rare advantage: he already knows Verizon’s internal dynamics, network goals, and customer challenges.
3. His Career Spans Telecommunications, Technology, and Finance
Schulman has worked across some of the biggest names in business — from AT&T and Virgin Mobile USA to American Express and Priceline.
At Virgin Mobile, he built a successful prepaid wireless brand later acquired by Sprint, and at Priceline, he grew revenue from $20 million to nearly $1 billion in two years.
This mix of telecom and fintech experience makes him a strong fit for Verizon’s future in 5G and digital services.
4. He’s Known for Blending Profit with Purpose
Schulman believes companies thrive when they serve both shareholders and society.
At PayPal, he raised employee wages, provided stock equity to all workers, and championed financial inclusion globally.
He once said, “The private sector has a responsibility to improve the state of the world.”
That stakeholder-driven philosophy could influence how Verizon approaches employee culture, customer trust, and digital ethics.
5. He Has Deep Cybersecurity and Risk Management Expertise
Before leading PayPal, Schulman served nearly 20 years on the board of NortonLifeLock (formerly Symantec), including 6 years as Independent Chairman.
As Verizon faces growing cybersecurity and data privacy challenges, this expertise adds a crucial layer of leadership strength.
6. Schulman Is a Veteran of Global Boards
Beyond Verizon, Schulman serves on the boards of Cisco, Lazard, and the Cleveland Clinic, and is Chair of JUST Capital, a nonprofit that ranks corporations on stakeholder performance.
His global network across technology, finance, and healthcare gives Verizon a broader strategic lens for partnerships and policy influence.
7. He’s A Two-Time International Honoree
Schulman has received two international knighthoods:
- The Order of the Oak Crown from Luxembourg (2021)
- The Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor (2024)
Both honors recognized his leadership in advancing digital inclusion and responsible capitalism.
These honors reflect a rare combination of business success and global social leadership.
8. He’s A Practicing Martial Artist
Outside the boardroom, Schulman is an avid mixed martial arts practitioner, known for applying the discipline, focus, and balance from the dojo to corporate leadership.
He has said in interviews that martial arts teaches “controlled strength and humility”. These are principles that mirror his calm yet decisive management style.
9. Schulman Believes in Technology as a Force for Inclusion
At the World Economic Forum, where he co-chairs the Steering Committee for Global Financial Inclusion, Schulman has been vocal about bridging digital and economic divides.
Under his leadership, expect Verizon to expand broadband access and digital opportunities for underserved communities.
10. His Education Built a Strong Foundation for Leadership
Dan Schulman holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Middlebury College and an MBA in Finance from the NYU Stern School of Business.
He also received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Rutgers University for his contributions to business and social impact.
This educational background in finance and leadership helped shape his practical, people-focused approach to business, the qualities that now guide him as Verizon’s new CEO.
Why These Dan Schulman Facts Matter
This leadership change isn’t just a routine handover; it marks a major strategy reset for Verizon.
With Dan Schulman now at the helm, the company’s focus on efficiency, inclusion, and technology-driven growth could reshape its competitive landscape in the 5G and broadband era.
In short, these Dan Schulman facts reveal not only his impressive career but also a glimpse of Verizon’s future—smarter, faster, more inclusive, and built for the next decade of innovation.
