For our annual Dean's Speaker Series, scheduled for noon, October 18 in the Keller Event Room, Ifshin Hall, the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business is proud to welcome UVM alum, Robert Clarkson '88, back to campus.

Robert Clarkson has played a key role in identifying new markets and creating innovative products and solutions for the industry’s top companies for 25 years. Did you know PayPal owns Venmo? 

As PayPal’s General Manager North America, Robert’s team is responsible for the North American P&L for all Merchants and Consumers. He is also responsible for PayPal’s global Mid-Market Strategy and Digital Gift Card businesses. His additional duties include executive sponsorship for the Global In-Store team and member of both the Investor Relations and M&A teams.

Robert joined PayPal from American Express, where, as vice president of global business development, he guided AmEx’s efforts to define new growth strategies and strengthen the company’s B2B business.

Prior to American Express, he served as President of Global Business Development for GE Corporate Payment Services. There he built the sales and account service organization and led a business unit which generated more than $11 billion in payment volume, later selling that business to Amex for $1.1B. His career in the payments industry stretches back to 1990, when he first joined Citigroup.

His speech, titled "Leadership at the Pace of Innovation" will focus on his journey from UVM to Silicon Valley, diving deeply into the fin-tech business. He will also meet with UVM President Tom Sullivan during his visit.

The Deans Speaker Series event will be held on Thursday, October 18 in the Keller Event Room, Ifshin Hall, beginning 12 noon, is free and open to all.