Peter W. Thonis is chief communications officer for Verizon, responsible for all external communications and media relations strategy and execution across the corporation, both domestic and international, as well as issues management and employee communications.  Previously, Thonis was senior vice president of external communications for Verizon, and helped make the new company, known for its premier networks and innovative broadband solutions, one of the most recognized names in America.

Prior to the creation of Verizon from the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE in 2000, Thonis was vice president of external communications for GTE, a position he held since September 1997. He was responsible for managing media relations, spokesmanship and regulatory advocacy to the business, general and trade media as well as industry analysts.

From 1995 to 1997, Thonis worked for BBN Corp. He was vice president of communications when GTE purchased the company, and also was vice president of marketing in 1996.

Before joining BBN, Thonis spent 14 years with IBM, where he held several senior communications management positions, including director of IBM's worldwide public relations for PC business units.

Thonis is vice chairman and a member of the executive committee of the NYC Outward Bound Board.

Thonis has a bachelor's degree in communications and English literature from Syracuse University and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.