Ben Chestnut

Founder, Advisor at Intuit Mailchimp

Ben Chestnut is a prominent figure in the tech industry, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Mailchimp, a widely used small business marketing platform.1 4

Career Highlights

Mailchimp Co-Founder and CEO: Ben Chestnut co-founded Mailchimp in 2001 and led the company as CEO for 21 years.3 Under his leadership, Mailchimp grew into a globally recognized brand, loved by millions of small businesses around the world.4

Acquisition by Intuit: In 2021, Mailchimp was acquired by Intuit for $12 billion.4 This acquisition was a significant milestone for the company, aligning with Chestnut's vision of creating a comprehensive growth platform for small businesses.1

Transition to Advisor Role: In August 2022, Chestnut announced his decision to step down as CEO of Intuit Mailchimp and transition into a Business Advisor role within the organization.1 3 This move was part of his strategy to ensure Mailchimp's continued success and growth under new leadership.1

Current Role and Responsibilities

As an Advisor at Intuit Mailchimp, Chestnut remains involved in several key areas:

Product innovation
Talent recruitment in the Atlanta technology sector
Brand ambassadorship
Supporting Intuit's presence in Atlanta's technology, business, and civic communities1

Personal Background

Chestnut describes himself as a father, husband, "designerd," and cyclist.5 His passion for empowering underdog entrepreneurs has been a driving force behind Mailchimp's mission since its inception in 2001.5

Legacy and Impact

Ben Chestnut's leadership and vision have significantly shaped Mailchimp's growth and success. His decision to bootstrap the company for many years, avoiding venture capital funding, was influenced by his experiences during the dot-com bust.2 This approach allowed Mailchimp to grow organically and maintain its unique culture and values.

Chestnut's impact extends beyond Mailchimp. He has become a respected figure in the Atlanta tech community and continues to inspire and support entrepreneurs and small businesses worldwide.