Interim president J. Larry Jameson has announced that Matthew Grossman will join Penn as Vice President for University Communications. The appointment is effective on April 7, 2025. In this role, Mr. Grossman will drive a communications approach that underscores Penn’s leadership in academic excellence, discovery, and societal impact, while strengthening connections across its campus community, national and international stakeholders.

Since 2021, Mr. Grossman has served as the chief brand and communications officer at Techstars, a global leader in early-stage technology investment. Previously, he spent 12 years at the Walt Disney Company, leading communications across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Earlier in his career, Mr. Grossman was the senior vice president, international corporate, for Edelman Communications, where he led efforts related to corporate and product communications and brand management. He also directed corporate communications and digital strategy at the Motion Picture Association of America.

In making the announcement, Interim President Jameson highlighted Mr. Grossman’s distinguished leadership, wide-ranging communications experience, and global perspective. “Matt Grossman brings a wealth of communications experience and a strategic, innovative mindset to this vital leadership role,” he said. “His ability to forge meaningful connections, shape thoughtful dialogue, and advance impactful narratives will be essential as we build on Penn’s strengths to educate future generations, inspire discovery, and lead on the great challenges of our time.”

As Vice President for University Communications, Mr. Grossman will be responsible for the development and implementation of a long-term communications plan for Penn. Serving as a key advisor to the president and other Penn senior officers, he will oversee Penn’s internal and external communications operations, partner with schools and centers on institutional communications, and promote the widespread recognition of Penn’s contributions to the community, nation, and world. 

“Penn’s integration of rigorous academics and groundbreaking research with real-world application is unrivaled,” said Mr. Grossman. “This approach is deeply rooted in the University’s founding and legacy, and unites its extraordinarily broad and accomplished community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. I cannot wait to join the University Communications team and look forward to working with Penn’s twelve schools to share the stories of this great institution and its global impact.”

Mr. Grossman earned his MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA and his undergraduate degree from Middlebury College. He and his family will soon relocate to Philadelphia from London. He succeeds Stephen J. MacCarthy, who has served as the interim vice president of University Communications since August 2024. Mr. MacCarthy previously led University Communications from 2011–2023 and returned from retirement to serve in an interim capacity for the past nine months. 

“I am deeply grateful for Steve MacCarthy’s superb leadership during this transitional period,” said Interim President Jameson. “He is an exemplary University citizen whose expertise and steady hand was, once again, invaluable.” He continued, “With his extensive experience and vision, Matt [Grossman] will play a pivotal role in further amplifying Penn’s voice as a leader in education, research, and service.”