Jeffrey F Rayport
About Jeffrey F Rayport
Jeffrey F. Rayport is a Senior Lecturer of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and a director at several organizations, including Linkwell Health and MediaMath. He is known for coining the term 'viral marketing' and has contributed significantly to the field of digital strategy and e-commerce education.
Current Role at Harvard Business School
Jeffrey F Rayport serves as the MBA Class of 1960 Senior Lecturer of Business Administration at Harvard Business School since 2014. In this role, he has contributed to the academic environment by developing and delivering the first graduate-level e-commerce course in the nation, which has enrolled nearly 2,000 MBA students. He has authored nearly a hundred case studies related to this course and has been recognized as an Outstanding Professor for three consecutive years by the HBS Students Association.
Professional Experience and Leadership Positions
Rayport holds several leadership roles across various organizations. He has been a Director at Resident since 2019, at Linkwell Health since 2016, and at Hanley Wood since 2018. Additionally, he has served as a Director at MediaMath since 2014 and at IDG (International Data Group) since 2002. He is also an Operating Partner and Senior Advisor at Castanea Partners since 2014. His extensive experience includes a decade-long tenure as Chairman of the Board at From the Top from 2010 to 2020.
Educational Background and Academic Achievements
Rayport has an extensive educational background, having studied at Harvard University where he earned a Ph.D. in History of American Civilization from 1986 to 1990, an A.M. in English and American Literature from 1984 to 1986, and an A.B. in History & Literature from 1977 to 1982. He also studied International Relations at the University of Cambridge, achieving an M.Phil. from 1982 to 1984. His academic pursuits have significantly influenced his professional contributions.
Contributions to Marketing and E-commerce
While at Harvard Business School, Rayport coined the term and concept of 'viral marketing.' He has been instrumental in shaping the field of digital marketing and e-commerce through his teaching and research. His students' business plans have led to the creation of notable start-ups, including Yahoo!. Additionally, he co-founded Monitor Executive Development, which is now part of Deloitte Consulting, and has been involved in corporate universities for major organizations.
Involvement in Women's Sports and Community Engagement
Rayport has participated in discussions regarding new business models in women's sports, particularly with Angel City Football Club. He has also engaged in a podcast that explored the business model of the club, demonstrating his commitment to innovative approaches in sports management. His role as a Trustee and Chair of the Governance Committee at the Peabody Essex Museum further highlights his involvement in community and cultural initiatives.