Tom Edwards is a visionary leader who has made significant contributions to the tech consulting industry. As the founder of the thought leadership platform BlackFin360™ and as the Americas Consumer AI Leader at EY, Tom has established himself as a leading voice across industries.
Tom is a futurist keynote speaker and a technology evangelist who is passionate about the intersection of technology and business. Through BlackFin360, he has created a valuable resource for those looking to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and insights transforming industry. The platform features over 600 posts of original content via the BlackFin360 blog, and serves as a connection point for booking events and keynote speaking engagements.
Tom’s thought leadership and expertise have been recognized by industry leaders, and he is widely respected for his knowledge and insights. Overall, Tom’s contributions to the tech consulting industry have been invaluable, and his leadership and vision have helped to shape the transformative direction of industries.
INDUSTRY LEADER
Tom is a highly decorated AI, data, marketing, and technology leader with numerous prestigious awards and recognitions:
| 2025: Most Prominent Business Leaders to Follow in AI |
| 2025: Top Consultant Of The Year – Technology Innovator |
| 2024: Global Recognition AI Award |
| 2024: AI Keynote Speaker to Watch in the U.S. |
| 2024: Named a Top 50 Tech Professional |
| 2022: Dallas Fort Worth Interactive Marketing Associations Marketer of the Year and a two-time OnCon Top 10 Global Marketer award winner (2022 and 2021). |
| 2022: Marketing 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award and one of the 10 most inspiring tech leaders to watch. |
| 2021: One of the top 50 most influential business leaders in technology. |
| 2020 & 2019: Professional of the Year in Marketing & Emerging Technology by Strathmore Worldwide. |
| 2020: CX Summit Digital Marketing Professional of the Year. |
| 2019: Tech Titan Technology Advocate award winner. |
| 2019: Marketing Trailblazer and Marketing Contributor by OnCon. |
| 2017: Marketing Technology Trailblazer by Advertising Age. |
A full list of awards, nominations, and recommendations are available via the awards & recommendations page.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Tom Edwards is a globally recognized keynote speaker known for his engaging, insightful presentations on artificial intelligence, innovation, and the intersection of technology and human behavior. With over 25 years of executive leadership experience as a Chief Digital Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Data Officer, and Chief Innovation Officer, Tom brings a unique blend of strategic vision and practical expertise to every stage.
Tom’s presentations cover a wide range of industries. He tailors his content to resonate with diverse audiences, including corporate executives, entrepreneurs, educators, and students. Known for his ability to distill complex concepts into actionable insights, Tom addresses topics like AI strategy, agentic AI, Generative AI, automation, supply chain innovation, marketing disruption, and the ethical use of emerging technologies.
His passion for empowering individuals and organizations to navigate the future with confidence makes him a sought-after speaker and thought leader. From delivering inspiring keynotes to cross-industry professionals to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and students, Tom Edwards is dedicated to helping audiences understand and harness the transformative power of AI.
FAMILY
Tom resides in Frisco, Texas, with his wife Cherlyn, co-founder/COO of BlackFin360, and their three children, Gavin, Audrey, and Grant, as well as their Maltipoo Daisy. He often jokes that his office is “wherever American Airlines flies,” reflecting his frequent travel for speaking engagements and other professional commitments. Overall, Tom’s diverse experience and expertise make him a highly respected and sought-after leader in the industry.
INDUSTRY COMMENTARY
Tom is a widely recognized thought leader in the business and advertising industries, known for his insightful contributions to a broad range of publications. His expertise spans key areas such as emerging trends, artificial intelligence, data-driven strategies, innovation, personal branding, leadership, IoT, the future of retail, augmented and virtual reality, and cutting-edge technologies.
Through his thought-provoking insights, Tom has garnered millions of views, solidifying his reputation as a trusted expert for professionals and organizations striving to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. His commentary is consistently relevant and actionable, providing businesses across industries with the tools and strategies needed to navigate change and seize new opportunities.
Tom’s unique ability to break down complex concepts into clear, engaging insights, coupled with his deep industry knowledge, has made him a sought-after voice in the business and advertising communities. Whether addressing cutting-edge innovations or practical solutions, Tom delivers valuable perspectives that resonate with professionals and drive meaningful impact.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Ernst & Young | Americas Consumer AI Leader | Tech Consulting | AI & Generative AI Leader
[February 2023-Present]
Tom covers all aspects of AI and data strategy focused on value creation across various functions. From reimagining hyper personalization and advanced consumer data strategies to AI centric operating models, governance, risk mitigation, tech selection, change management, use case prioritization, proof of concept delivery, ML model selection, responsible AI and helping clients blend traditional applied AI and generative AI solutions.
Tom currently serves as a leading facilitator of EY’s AI Masterclass and Tom is a recognized thought leader and keynote speaker being named a 2024 AI Keynote speaker to Watch.Tom resides within the US tech consulting practice as a part of the AI and Data team.
| 2025: Top Consultant Of The Year – Technology Innovator |
| 2024: Global Recognition AI Award |
| 2024: AI Keynote Speaker to Watch in the U.S. |
| 2024: Named a Top 50 Tech Professional |
Omicom Health Group | Chief Digital & Data Officer
[February 2021-February 2023]
OVERVIEW – OHG, 2020 Network of the year by MedAdNews, is the largest healthcare marketing and communications network in the world, with more than a dozen companies and over 5,000 talented people specializing in every area of health.
Tom served as the Chief Digital & Data Officer for Omnicom Health Group. Tom held a broad range of responsibilities including leading the digital and data center of excellence, with a focus on strategy, data, analytics, and innovation. Tom’s main objective was to drive transformational initiatives for Omnicom Health Group by expanding strategic consulting services, enhancing proprietary data offerings (Omni Health), scaling data science through AI, and productizing analytics solutions. Additionally, I worked to scale omnichannel capabilities (Omnichannel U), enhance experience strategy, enable creative technology, facilitate technology integration, drive the OHG innovation practice, and forge strategic partnerships (Digital Fusion).
In this role, Tom also provided industry thought leadership as a keynote speaker and focused on talent development, mergers & acquisitions (Tech/Data/Analytics), and empowering the world-class agencies within the OHG network. Overall, my role was to ensure that Omnicom Health Group stayed ahead of the curve in terms of technology, data, and innovation, while also empowering our talented teams to deliver exceptional work for our clients.
Served on multiple cross-holding company committees: Omnicom Innovation Council, Lead the Tech Fuel AI Cohort, and Health Mergers & Acquisitions
AWARDS – Multiple Industry & Individual Awards
| · 2022 Marketing 2.0 – Outstanding Leadership Award |
| · 2022 Top 10 Most Inspiring Tech Leaders To Watch |
| · 2022 Dallas Fort Worth Interactive Marketing Association Marketer Of The Year |
| · 2022 OnCon Icon Top 10 Global Marketer |
| · 2021 Top 50 Most Influential Business Leaders in Tech |
| · 2021 OnCon Icon Top 10 Global Marketer |
| · 2021 MARsum Top 100 Marketing & Advertising Leader |
Tripleclix | Chief Marketing Officer
[January 2020-February 2021]
Tripleclix is a leading strategic gaming agency that specializes in developing marketing partnerships for game publishers while helping brands navigate the fast-paced and ever-evolving gaming industry. With over 60 years of combined industry experience, the agency is uniquely positioned to build strategies that combine publisher-driven gaming content with innovative and iconic brands, creating unique and compelling experiences for gamers and non-gamers alike.
Tom was responsible for supporting strategy, driving revenue growth, and elevating the agency’s brand. Our impressive roster of clients included some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Xbox, Ferrara, Wizards of the Coast, WBIE, Kellogg’s, Mondelez, Gillette, and Hollister.
Overall, Tripleclix acts as the connective tissue between brands, publishers, retailers, and consumers, creating a seamless and engaging experience for all parties involved. The agency’s unique approach to building strategic partnerships has helped it become one of the most respected and sought-after gaming agencies in the industry.
AWARDS – Multiple Industry & Individual Awards
| · 2020 CX Summit – Digital Marketing Professional of the Year |
| · 2020 OnCon Icon Top 50 Global Marketer |
| · 2020 Strathmore WW Professional of the Year for Marketing and Emerging Technology |
Epsilon | Chief Digital & Innovation Officer
[July 2015 – September 2019]
OVERVIEW – Epsilon was a global leader in data, marketing, and technology enablement. Tom served as the Chief Digital / Data Strategy / Innovation Officer.
As the overseer of both domestic and international teams, Tom’s responsibility was to ensure seamless coordination and effective collaboration across multiple areas of expertise. Team oversight included: Strategy & Insights, AI Practice, Data Scientists, Partner/Channel, Creative Technology, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Research, Technology Practice, Product Development, Media Planning, Shopper Strategy, Industry Evangelism, Analytics, Technology Integration, eCommerce, CRM, Marketing Automation, Business Analysis, Strategic Planning, Cross-functional team leadership, PMO, and Vendor Management.
Tom worked closely with stakeholders to drive innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement. By creating an environment that values experimentation, iteration, and learning, Tom drove business success. In addition to these internal responsibilities. Tom also served as an industry evangelist, speaking at events and conferences to showcase our thought leadership.
TEAM OVERSIGHT & RESPONSIBILITY – Domestic & International teams.
| · Strategy & Insights | · AI Practice | · Data Scientists |
| · Partner/Channel | · Creative Technology | · Innovation |
| · Digital Consulting | · Research | · Technology Practice |
| · Product Development | · Media Planning | · Shopper Strategy |
| · Industry Evangelism | · Analytics | · Technology Integration |
| · eCommerce | · CRM | · Marketing Automation |
AWARDS – Multiple Industry & Individual Awards
| · 2019 Strathmore WW Professional of the Year for Marketing and Emerging Technology |
| · 2019 OnCon Icon Marketing Award Winner – Marketing Trailblazer |
| · 2019 OnCon Icon Marketing Award Winner – Marketing Contributor |
| · 2019 Tech Titan Awards – Technology Advocate Award Winner |
| · 2019 Top 50 Global Marketer Award |
| · 2019 Path to Purchase Institute – Institute Faculty Recognition |
| · 2017 Advertising Age Marketing Technology Trailblazer |
INDUSTRIES SERVICED – Cross Holding Company Subject Matter Expert
| · CPG | · Retail | · Financial Services |
| · High Tech | · Food & Beverage | · Pharma |
| · Insurance | · Automotive | · Health Care |
KEY HIGHLIGHT – In 2015 launched an artificial intelligence practice that fundamentally transformed the organization. This led to democratized access to data for strategic purposes that will impact the entire organization for years to come.
The Marketing Arm | EVP, Digital & Innovation
[December 2011 – July 2015]
OVERVIEW – The Marketing Arm is the largest entity in Omnicom’s Diversified Agency Services Division (DAS). TMA is a full-service B2C agency that specializes in consumer promotions. This role had oversight of the centralized agency resources that serviced all accounts with horizontally distributed staff, product development for two successfully launched proprietary products and served as group director of strategy teams across the United States. Departmental P&L responsibilities. Also served as a subject matter expert for cross-agency holding company-led initiatives.
TEAM OVERSIGHT & RESPONSIBILITY – Domestically distributed teams
| · Digital Strategy | · Social Strategy | · Creative |
| · CRM Strategy | · Product Development | · Innovation |
| · Analytics | · Media Strategy | · Technology Integration |
AWARDS – Individual and Organizational Awards
| · 2015 – Nominated by iMedia to Forbes as a top 10 Marketing Technologist |
| · 2014 – iMedia Agency Marketer of the Year Finalist |
| · 2014 – ATS Mobile – Top 20 Leader in Mobile Marketing |
| · 2014 – YMCA Father of the Year – Frisco, Texas |
| · 2011 – 2015 Agency Awards – Cannes Lions, Clio, One Show, Omma, Adweek, Webby, Reggie Awards, Addy Award, Pro Awards |
INDUSTRIES SERVICED – Cross Holding Company Subject Matter Expert
| · CPG | · Retail | · Financial Services |
| · High Tech | · Food & Beverage | · Pharma |
| · Insurance | · Telecommunications | · Energy |
| · Healthcare | · Travel | · Automotive |
KEY HIGHLIGHT – Tom led the merger and acquisition integration of social strategy agency Fanscape into The Marketing Arm. Strategic oversight exceeded revenue goals which led to a successful earn-out for the founders. Campaigns won major industry awards and drove client results.
Red Urban | SVP, Digital & Emerging Technology
[February 2010 – December 2011]
OVERVIEW – Red Urban is a progressive Omnicom owned digital agency providing captivating digital solutions from conception through execution. Red Urban is aligned with DDB. This role was responsible for building and executing all facets of digital and emerging technology strategy. This included departmental P&L responsibilities. Also served as a subject matter expert for cross-agency holding company-led initiatives.
TEAM OVERSIGHT & RESPONSIBILITY
| · Digital Strategy | · Social Strategy | · Technology |
| · Marketing Technology | · Emerging Technology | · Innovation |
| · Retail Strategy | · Analytics | · Technology Integration |
INDUSTRIES SERVICED – Cross Holding Company Subject Matter Expert
| · CPG | · Retail | · Gaming |
| · High Tech | · Food & Beverage | · Automotive |
KEY HIGHLIGHT – Tom was responsible for building the marketing technology practice for the Component group including the creation of the Red Urban Digital Value Index. The Digital Value Index was a proprietary intelligence tool designed to enhance strategic consulting initiatives and allowed clients to quickly understand various aspects of competitive positioning to allow for an agile response strategy.
INgage Networks | Chief Marketing Officer [April 2009 – February 2010]
OVERVIEW – INgage Networks f/k/a Neighborhood America is a social media SaaS provider focused on comprehensive engagement solutions. This role included full P&L oversight and responsibility for all aspects of sales and marketing for domestic and international markets.
TEAM OVERSIGHT & RESPONSIBILITY
| · Marketing | · PR | · Sales |
| · Channel Strategy | · Consulting | · Product Marketing |
| · Strategy | · Technology Integration | · Creative |
INDUSTRIES SERVICED – Multiple Industries Serviced
| · Public Sector | · Financial Services | · CPG |
KEY HIGHLIGHT – Marketing efforts led to growth during an economic downturn. Efforts opened new market segments while gaining significant traction with industry analysts and capturing market share from competitors. Analyst outreach program led to inclusion in many industry reports including the first reference in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant. Developed a comprehensive joint GTM strategy for international expansion in partnership with Microsoft.
Telligent | VP, Consulting & Marketing | [December 2005 – March 2009]
OVERVIEW – Telligent is a recognized leader in the enterprise social collaboration space. Offerings included social software and analytics. This role included full P&L oversight and responsibility for all aspects of sales and marketing for domestic and international markets. Also served as the lead consultant for technology integration.
TEAM OVERSIGHT & RESPONSIBILITY
| · Sales | · Marketing & PR | · Managed Services |
| · Technology Integration | · Consulting | · Product Marketing |
| · Channel Strategy | · Strategy | · Advertising Sales |
INDUSTRIES SERVICED – Multiple Industries Serviced
| · High Tech | · Gaming | · CPG |
| · Automotive | · Healthcare | · Chemical |
KEY HIGHLIGHT – Tom joined Telligent as employee number 20. During my tenure revenue grew 7x with a 600% increase in revenue. Results led to a $20 million-dollar investment from Intel Capital. Launched the first-ever instance of video game user-created clips that were then ported to the web via Telligent software in partnership with Electronic Arts. Led comprehensive channel strategy in partnership with Microsoft to deploy Telligent solutions via Microsoft field sales teams.
Smooth Fusion | Co-Founder/VP, Marketing Technology [April 2001 – December 2005]
OVERVIEW – Co-founder and partner in the creation of Smooth Fusion, Inc. Smooth Fusion specializes in web/mobile/social application development in support of agency holding companies and client initiatives. This role included departmental P&L oversight.
TEAM OVERSIGHT & RESPONSIBILITY
| · Strategy | · eCommerce | · Channel Strategy |
| · Account Leadership | · Consulting | · Technology Integration |
INDUSTRIES SERVICED – Cross Holding Company Subject Matter Expert
| · High Tech | · Retail | · CPG |
KEY HIGHLIGHT – Tom was a co-founder of Smooth Fusion. Tom led efforts for Microsoft preferred vendor status allowing growth from four employees to 90+. The company is still in business today celebrating 25 years of business.
Fullmoon Interactive | Director Professional Services/Managing Director [June 2000 – April 2001]
OVERVIEW – Fullmoon Interactive was a full-service interactive agency and part of the eMarketplace network of internet properties. Tom led the technology and professional services practice. This role included departmental P&L oversight. Once named Managing Director, Tom had full P&L oversight.
TEAM OVERSIGHT & RESPONSIBILITY
| · Technology | · Project Management | · Consulting |
| · Technology Integration | · Marketing Technology | · QA |
INDUSTRIES SERVICED – Cross Holding Company Subject Matter Expert
| · High Tech | · CPG | · Financial Services |
KEY HIGHLIGHT – Implemented organizational processes that led to efficiency gains that significantly increased profitability.
100 + RECOMMENDATIONS AVAILABLE VIA LINKEDIN
To view recommendations from brands such as Twitter, GameStop, Microsoft, Hasbro, Dell, American Airlines, MSNBC & Electronic Arts. Please visit Tom’s Linkedin Profile.
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