Silicon Valley innovator Satjiv Chahil to deliver keynote at Thunderbird's fall 2022 convocation

Satjiv Chahil, Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University alum and Silicon Valley thought leader, innovator and digital marketing pioneer, will address fall 2022 graduates during Thunderbird’s convocation. The ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix.

"Satjiv has been a visionary and catalyst for technological innovations that have helped communities and people all over the world," said Sanjeev Khagram, director general and dean of Thunderbird.

He has been one of the most successful catalysts of digital convergence, and has forged pioneering alliances between technology firms and the worlds of entertainment, sports, music, and fashion.

“Fortune Magazine said it best — ‘Fewer executives have had greater influence shaping marketing in Silicon Valley that Satjiv’ — and I have to agree,” Khagram said. "He embodies the global mindset and entrepreneurial spirit of Thunderbird, and his message will truly inspire our students as they navigate this era of digital transformation and constant disruption to advance equitable and sustainable prosperity and peace worldwide."

Chahil specializes in the digital and technological transformation of global businesses, enabling startups to scale and aligning business goals with social purpose. Chahil currently serves as chairman of the Chahil Foundation, trustee of the American India Foundation’s Founders Circle, a member of the board of directors for Universal Electronics and director of Cinequest, a Silicon Valley film festival. 

In a multifaceted career, Chahil helped establish Apple Inc. as the leader in multimedia PCs and digital media, facilitated the establishment of a new category of mobile computing at Palm, and built iconic brands at Sony and Hewlett-Packard. 

"The magic of Thunderbird is the mindset of Thunderbird, of how we view the world and how we contribute to it to make it better for all," Chahil said. "It's the imagination, ecosystem and passion for new areas of making a difference that we can all participate in. I look forward to seeing the next generation of T-birds innovating across industries and making our world a better place for all."

Chahil graduated from Punjab University, Chandigarh, India in 1971 with a bachelor of commerce degree and received a master's in international management degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management in 1976. He is also a Thunderbird New Founder, a group of alumni who provided key, foundational gifts to make the dream of the new Thunderbird Global Headquarters a reality. 

"Satjiv is an innovator across industries, challenging the status quo and changing the world in a positive way," said Patrick McDermott, chief engagement officer at Thunderbird. "Students can learn from Satjiv and see the ways his Thunderbird experience shaped him to make his dreams a reality."

Satjiv Chahil speaking at an event.