Chris Hughes

Chris Hughes is an American entrepreneur, author, and economic thinker recognized as a co-founder of Facebook. Hughes co-founded and served as spokesperson for the online social networking site Facebook, contributing to its early development by focusing on user experience and privacy. He served as head of product management, emphasizing the platform's functionality and user-friendliness. Hughes earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and English literature, magna cum laude, from Harvard College.

After leaving Facebook, Hughes joined Barack Obama's presidential campaign as director of online organizing, where he led the development of my.barackobama.com, a social media platform for supporters. His work on the campaign's digital strategy is credited with transforming political campaigning by leveraging digital platforms to engage voters, mobilize supporters, and raise funds. Following the election, Fast Company featured Hughes on its cover with the headline, THE KID WHO MADE OBAMA PRESIDENT.

Hughes later acquired The New Republic, seeking to modernize the magazine while maintaining its intellectual legacy. His efforts to revamp the publication led to significant newsroom changes, and he eventually sold the magazine after a period of financial losses. Hughes also founded Jumo, a social network for nonprofits, which was later sold to Good. He has become an advocate for economic reform, guaranteed income, and policies aimed at reducing inequality, co-founding the Economic Security Project.

Hughes is the author of "Fair Shot: Rethinking Inequality and How We Earn" and "Marketcrafters: The 100-Year Struggle to Shape the American Economy." He has published commentary on technology and antitrust, including an op-ed calling for the breakup of Facebook and raising concerns about the company's influence on privacy, safety, and democracy. Hughes completed a master's degree in economics at The New School for Social Research and, as a PhD candidate at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, served as a senior fellow at the Institute on Race, Power, and Political Economy at The New School. Through his books, policy advocacy, and academic work, Hughes addresses the intersection of technology, economic inequality, and democratic accountability.