Johnny Hughes
CMO & Chairman, AI Council. Founder, Zillas
Johnny Hughes is an award-winning strategic digital marketing advisor, leading enterprise B2B clients through full-funnel lead generation, AI integration and conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategies.
Serving as the Chief Marketing Officer and Chairman of the AI Council at Avenue Z, Johnny leads the digital delivery production and internal marketing teams at the agency.


/EXPERTISE AREAS
B2B Lead Generation
Conversion Rate Optimization
Growth Strategies
Building and Selling Companies
Performance Marketing
AI & Emerging Tech
SEO Marketing Strategies
Full-funnel Marketing
Website Design & Optimization
A/B Testing & Experimentation

About Me
With decades of experience, Johnny has assisted enterprise brands in improving their online presence and achieving lasting growth through innovative omn-ichannel marketing strategies. He founded the Zillas agency in 2007, where a strategic blend of top-notch creativity and advanced digital marketing techniques converge to meet the needs of today’s business leaders.
He has provided solutions for various global organizations in different industries, including healthcare, fintech, manufacturing, technology, entertainment, and tourism, having worked with notable clients, including AAA, Truist Bank, AdventHealth, Orlando Magic, Goodwill, Boys & Girls Club, and Piper Aircraft.
Hughes’ exceptional blend of creativity and forward-thinking innovation continue to position him as a thought leader, navigating through decades of transformative digital landscapes. Now, as the Chief Marketing Officer for Avenue Z, he integrates marketing advancements from emerging technologies like Web3, Generative AI (such as Funnel GPT), and Web XR into his visionary approach to leading the digital delivery teams across the Avenue Z Network.
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My Latest Insights
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AI Appreciation Requires More Than Hype
At Avenue Z, we believe AI is only as powerful as the principles behind its use. For us, appreciation…
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The Browser Is Dead. Long Live the Agent.
A new operating system for how humans interact with the internet is coming.
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From Visibility to Influence: Why Website Optimization is the New Brand Equity
Most brands treat website optimization like a checklist, fast load times, clean metadata, without realizing it’s now a reputation…
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Want to Be Found in AI Search? Focus Where AI Looks with Johnny Hughes
AI does not rank brands. It cites them. Here is how to get your name into the answers that…
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Johnny Hughes on AI Marketing, Funnel GPT, and Human Creativity
AI won’t replace marketers, but marketers who know how to wield AI will replace those who don’t.
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Is Canva AI Ready for Prime Time? A CMO’s Unfiltered Review
Canva’s AI tools are quietly transforming how marketers create, collaborate, and deliver work with real speed and impact.
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Stay in touch. Discuss your needs with us and see how we can help.