Derek Thomas Joins Ryan as Chief Marketing Officer

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ryan, a leading global tax services and software provider, is pleased to announce that Derek Thomas has joined the Firm as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Thomas brings more than two decades of leadership experience within varied business-to-business (B2B) organizations where he led the reconceptualization of marketing strategy, demand generation, and product disciplines at a global level. 

“Derek’s immense marketing and technology expertise will be integral to driving Ryan’s business forward with a keen focus on innovation and the Firm’s global growth,” said Global President and Chief Operating Officer Ginny Kissling. “We are pleased to welcome such an accomplished leader to the Firm, with great anticipation for the business and market results his strategic vision will bring.”

Thomas previously served as Senior Vice President (SVP), Global Marketing and Business Development at Blue Yonder, where he built a high-performance, data-driven marketing organization while leading the company from a product-led to audience-led approach. As a trained engineer with prior technical and marketing leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and Emerson Electric, Thomas offers a unique perspective on conventional marketing methods to create solutions that have the strongest impact for attracting perspective clients. At Ryan, he will serve as a member of the executive leadership team with oversight of development, implementation, and execution of the Firm’s marketing and branding strategy, creative, global communications, and digital marketing.

“I am thrilled to join Ryan as Chief Marketing Officer with an opportunity to contribute to the Firm’s bold vision for the future,” said Derek Thomas. “I’m eager to build on the company’s strong foundation by further elevating the brand, redefining the digital experience, and amplifying Ryan’s voice in the market. Together, we will continue shaping a category-defining presence and delivering meaningful impact for our clients globally.”

Thomas holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Olin School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. He will be based in Dallas, Texas, and will report to Global President and Chief Operating Officer Ginny Kissling.

About Ryan

Ryan, an award-winning global tax services and software provider, is the largest Firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business taxes. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides an integrated suite of federal, state, local, and international tax services on a multijurisdictional basis, including tax recovery, consulting, advocacy, compliance, and technology services. Ryan is an 11-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan’s multidisciplinary team of more than 4,800 professionals and associates serves over 30,000 clients in more than 80 countries, including many of the world’s most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com.