Ken Willner

Ken Willner is the Chief Growth Officer at TextNow, a role he has held since July 2020. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing the company's growth and marketing strategies, focusing on customer acquisition and brand awareness to enhance the monetization of TextNow's free mobile app.13

Professional Background:: Before joining TextNow, Willner was the CEO of Zumobi, a mobile content marketing leader. His extensive experience in marketing and digital media spans over two decades, during which he has held senior roles at various national advertising agencies and major wireless carriers. Notably, he served as Vice President of Advertising and Media at AT&T Wireless, where he developed innovative marketing programs that significantly boosted consumer adoption of mobile applications. His leadership in an integrated marketing campaign for American Idol notably popularized text messaging in the U.S..12

Education and Personal Insights:: Willner graduated with a B.A. in marketing from the University of Washington. He is recognized as a thought leader in advertising and mobile technology and has contributed to mentoring initiatives through organizations like YearUp, which supports young leaders from diverse backgrounds.14

In his own words, Willner expresses enthusiasm for TextNow's mission to provide accessible phone services, stating, "I think TextNow is one of the best-kept secrets in the mobile industry," highlighting his commitment to expanding the company's reach during his tenure.1