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.

johnny hughes signature

/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

Johnny Hughes Collage

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.

Follow Me

My Latest Insights

  • Two hands, one biologically human and the other appearing as a glowing network, come together in a handshake that symbolizes unity and technological advancement in a dark setting.

    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…

    Link

    3 min read

    ,
  • A digital abstract artwork of a blue human eye surrounded by dark, fragmented brush strokes, giving it a textured, mosaic-like appearance.

    The Browser Is Dead. Long Live the Agent.

    A new operating system for how humans interact with the internet is coming.

    Link

    3 min read

    ,
  • Shot of a Desktop Computer with Food App User Interface Developing Software Standing on the Wooden Desk in the Creative Cozy Living Room. In the Background Warm Evening Lighting and Open Space Studio.

    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…

    Link

    3 min read

    , ,
  • AI prompt chat bot. Search website to generate data, text or image. Man using computer with artificial intelligence app. Virtual assistant in digital creative work. Content generator technology.

    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…

    Link

    2 min read

    , , ,
  • 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.

    Link

    2 min read

    , ,
  • 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.

    Link

    6 min read

    , ,

Connect With Us

Stay in touch. Discuss your needs with us and see how we can help.