John Ferraro

John Ferraro is Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Ernst & Young (EY), one of the world’s most prominent professional services organizations. John Ferraro’s current position as the firm’s COO encompasses leadership of Ernst and Young’s annual globalization thought leadership program. Launched each year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this research represents an annual assessment of international economic trends and their impact on specific countries.

A Marquette University graduate, John Ferraro has been with EY since 1976. Over the past 35 years, he has held a diverse range of positions in EY including Global Head of Audit, US Head of Sales and Marketing, and Americas Head of Client Services. Before becoming Global Vice Chair of Assurance and Advisory Business Services based in London, Mr. Ferraro spent time in Kansas City focused on the telecommunications sector and in Rome working in the oil and gas sector.

John Ferraro has continued to maintain strong ties with his alma mater over the years and serves as Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council at Marquette and as a Member of its Board of Trustees. In 2008, Marquette's College of Business Administration recognized him as Alumnus of the Year. He has also been recognized as the 2007 “Friend of Kellogg School of Management,” an award presented to non-graduates who have nonetheless loyally served the school over the years.

Further demonstrating his passion for education, John Ferraro championed and developed a unique Master's program with the University of Notre Dame and the University of Virginia, primarily targeting non-accounting business majors. “Your Master Plan” is a unique 15-month program that allows participants to earn a Masters of Accountancy at the University of Notre Dame while gaining valuable work experience.