The Howard University School of Business will welcome Taco Bell CEO Sean Tresvant for its Fall 2026 Executive Lecture Series. The annual series gives business students in their first year an opportunity to hear directly from some of the nation’s top C-suite executives.

The lecture will take place from 11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the School of Business auditorium on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

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Tresvant joined Taco Bell in 2021 as chief brand officer, where he helped shape the company’s brand strategy before advancing to global chief brand and strategy officer and, ultimately, CEO in January 2024. As CEO, he is responsible for driving the brand’s growth, expanding its global presence and overseeing its overall performance.

His leadership has helped Taco Bell build on its reputation for innovation and cultural relevance. During his tenure, the brand appeared on the cover of Fast Company’s 2024 World’s Most Innovative Companies list and was named to TIME100’s Most Innovative Companies. Taco Bell also held the No. 1 spot on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for five consecutive years during Tresvant’s time at the company.

Dean of the Howard University School of Business Anthony D. Wilbon, Ph.D., said the lecture will give students an opportunity to learn firsthand from an executive whose career demonstrates the importance of embracing new opportunities and challenges.

“Mr. Tresvant’s experience in building brands and leading a global company offers our students valuable lessons about leadership, innovation and career development,” Wilbon said. “His career reflects the importance of embracing new opportunities and being willing to take on challenges. We are pleased to provide our students with opportunities to learn directly from leaders who can offer perspectives that will help shape their own careers.”

Founded in 1970, the Howard University School of Business has established a reputation for excellence in business and management education and research. The school provides comprehensive business education to students of high academic potential, with a particular emphasis on creating opportunities for promising African American students. Its undergraduate and MBA programs were the first in Washington, D.C., to receive AACSB accreditation, in 1976 and 1980, respectively.

Sharon Strange Lewis, MBA, assistant dean of impact and engagement in the School of Business, said the changing economic landscape makes it increasingly important for students to understand the breadth of career opportunities available to them.

“Business is changing rapidly,” she said. “We are committed to exposing business students to opportunities beyond the traditional fields of consulting, finance and technology and helping them discover new ways to build successful careers.”

Overall, Tresvant’s career has centered on building brands and connecting with consumers. Before joining Taco Bell, he spent more than 15 years at Nike, rising to chief marketing officer of the Jordan Brand. He also held positions with Time Inc.’s Sports Illustrated and PepsiCo and was a founding member of the Black Executive CMO Alliance.

At Taco Bell, Tresvant has overseen efforts to expand the company’s digital business, including incorporate emerging technology into the customer experience, such as voice AI in drive-thrus. Tresvant also serves as vice chairman of the Taco Bell Foundation and has served on the Board of Directors of Marriott International since 2025. 

Tresvant earned an MBA from Seattle University and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications from Washington State University, where he also played basketball.