Marques E. Zak serves as the ACC’s first Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, where he leads the Conference’s marketing and brand strategy across digital, social, and live experiences. Reporting directly to the Commissioner and serving on the ACC’s Executive Staff, he is responsible for strengthening the ACC’s visibility, reputation, and fan engagement in partnership with its 18 member institutions.
Zak joins the ACC from American Express, where he was Head of Multicultural Marketing and launched the company’s first enterprise-wide multicultural marketing strategy, building campaigns and partnerships that expanded the brand’s relevance with Gen Z and millennial audiences. His work earned him induction into the 2024 AAF Advertising Hall of Achievement and American Express’s Edward P. Gilligan Award for Innovation, the company’s highest employee honor. Previously, Zak spent nine years at PepsiCo, guiding brand strategy and execution for a $1.2 billion Frito-Lay North America business unit, and began his career as a Strategy Consultant with Deloitte.
Beyond his professional achievements, Zak is an active industry and community leader. He serves on the Cornell University Council, co-chairs the Alvin Ailey Young Patrons Circle, and is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College and former captain of the Maroon Tigers track and field team, he earned his MBA from Cornell University.