Habitual Service

Mention Nationwide to most people and the “On Your Side” jingle immediately springs to mind, but for Chief Marketing Officer Ramon Jones ’91 VSB, that message goes well beyond his professional life. In fact, standing by those in need has been a constant refrain in Ramon’s life, going back to his upbringing.

Ramon grew up in North Philadelphia, in an area he describes as “substantially different” from Villanova’s campus. His mother, who did not complete high school, wanted more for her children. She saw to it that her son attended a rigorous high school, which prepared him for Villanova and later, a Wharton MBA.

After starting his career at Accenture, Ramon went on to achieve considerable professional success at Nationwide, holding several leadership positions including Regional Vice President of the insurer’s Western U.S. operations, Associate Vice President for the Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Leader of the Property Casualty businesses, and Financial Services Marketing Leader, before becoming the Chief Marketing Officer in 2019.

Still, Ramon recognizes that true success comes from elsewhere. “I grew up with next to nothing. In public housing, on public assistance—my family was in the same position as the people I’m committed to helping.  While this population is invisible to most, I can’t help but see them.  I want to give them the support and opportunities they deserve to achieve their wants in life, too.”

As Ramon’s career took him to several different cities throughout the country, he gave back no matter where he lived. While in Sacramento, he served on the board of St. John’s Shelter for Women and Children, which helps women in crisis gain educational and emotional stability. Now in Columbus, Ohio, he serves on the Mount Carmel Foundation, which funds several efforts to reduce poverty including providing urgent medical care for underinsured people. Ramon serves in many other capacities, including at Villanova with the Center for Marketing and Consumer Insights, where he helps diverse and underrepresented students feel a sense of belonging in marketing. For Ramon, this work is far more important than any professional achievements.  

“I feel my greatest influence has resulted from seeking out opportunities to support others—particularly underserved populations,” Ramon shares.

Ramon credits Villanova for reinforcing the importance of paying it forward. “I graduated with the understanding that you can excel in business, but you won’t be truly successful if you’re not making a difference to those around you.”