Ann Marie Fudge

Ann M. Fudge ’73, ’98HD (born 1951) is a businesswoman and former CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands, a global network of marketing and communications companies. (In 1992, Y&R merged with VML to form VMLY&R, a marketing and communications company). Coming of age in Washington DC during the era of civil rights demonstrations, Fudge embraced perseverance and determination. She studied Retail Management at Simmons, and was part of a large cohort of African American women. In an interview with Simmons News, Fudge expressed how being in a women-centered environment reinforced her confidence: “You see smart women and you don’t question yourself and your ability. You know you’re good. That’s a big element of success — seeing other women in powerful roles and knowing that you can do it, too.”

Fudge emerged as a trailblazer in the corporate world, serving on the boards of General Electric, Marriott, Honeywell, Novartis, Unilever and Infosys, as well as several non-profit organizations. In 1994, she became the first female to preside over Maxwell House Coffee Company. Currently, Fudge serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of WGBH Public Media. She is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, co-chairing the Commission on Reimagining Our Economy.