Zayo Appointed New Communications and Marketing Chief

Mariana Agathoklis Schlock has joined the company to lead its integrated marketing, communications, and ESG strategy.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People

Zayo Appointed New Communications and Marketing Chief

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Zayo has named Mariana Agathoklis Schlock as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Marketing Officer. She will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Sowmyanarayan Sampath.

Why it matters

The appointment is intended to strengthen Zayo's brand and commercial visibility as the company navigates the ongoing expansion of the AI economy.

Agathoklis Schlock brings extensive experience, including a nine-year tenure at Verizon and 12 years at MTV. The executive previously managed communications for a business unit generating $100 billion in annual revenue.

The players

Mariana Agathoklis Schlock

She is the newly appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at Zayo and a graduate of Boston University.

Sowmyanarayan Sampath

He serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Zayo and is the direct supervisor of the new marketing and communications lead.

The details

Agathoklis Schlock is tasked with leading integrated communications, marketing, and environmental, social, and governance functions to boost the firm's market presence. She will coordinate engagement across various stakeholder groups, including customers, employees, and investors.

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

Market Landscape

This leadership shift follows a broader corporate pattern of recruiting high-level talent to capitalize on the rising demand for digital infrastructure driven by the AI economy. It positions Zayo to better compete for visibility in a sector currently defined by intense technological investment.

The changes in corporate marketing strategy are unlikely to result in immediate shifts for the average consumer or subscriber. Customers can expect potential updates to company brand communications as the new leadership team settles into their operational roles.

The takeaway

Hiring executives with experience from massive, high-revenue organizations is a common strategy for firms looking to scale their public image. Companies often prioritize these transitions when trying to capture a larger share of growing high-tech markets.