Interim Penn President J. Larry Jameson announced today that Matthew Grossman will join the University as vice president for University Communications. The appointment is effective April 7, 2025, and pending approval of the Board of Trustees. In this role, 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, Grossman has served as 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, 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 held roles at the Motion Picture Association of America, where he directed corporate communications and digital strategy.
In making the announcement, Jameson highlighted 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,” says Jameson. “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, 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 senior officers of the University, he will oversee the University’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. 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,” states Grossman. “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.”
Grossman earned his MBA from the Anderson School of Business 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 been serving as the interim vice president for University Communications since August 2024. MacCarthy previously led University Communications at Penn from 2011-2023 and returned from retirement to serve the University for the past nine months.
“I am deeply grateful for Steve MacCarthy’s superb leadership during this transitional period. He is an exemplary University citizen whose expertise and steady hand was, once again, invaluable,” says Jameson. He continued, “With his extensive experience and vision, Matt will play a pivotal role in further amplifying Penn’s voice as a leader in education, research, and service.”
