Information Technology Keynote Speaker Jon Fortt is an on-air editor for CNBC and the host of the network’s tech news program, Squawk Alley. A natural writer, Jon also contributes to CNBC.com. Jon began his career in TV journalism with CNBC in July of 2010 as a technology correspondent, covering businesses, start-ups and technological trends in Silicon Valley. Since the start of his career he has also been featured on NBC Nightly News, Today, MSNBC and the Nightly Business Report on PBS.
After graduating from Depauw University with a B.A. in English, Jon wrote and edited at the San Jose Mercury News. He contributed many quality pieces to the newspaper, some of which won awards from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. Jon covered hot topics in the tech industry and served as the senior web editor. His greatest contribution may have been when he helped develop a blog and podcast network for the newspaper and enhancing their other multimedia projects.
After working with the newspaper, Jon took a job with Fortune magazine as a senior writer from 2007-2010. He spent most of his efforts on trying to keep up with the big name companies in the industry including Apple, Microsoft and Cisco while also covering the growing rise of cloud computing and smartphone use. He started to get comfortable behind the camera after appearing as a regular on KNTV’s Press: Here, and CNNi’s technology show, Quest Means Business. Eventually Jon and a colleague would create their own video series and column called Techmate. The column appeared in the magazine’s technology section and the videos were posted online at Fortune.com.
Not only is he an exceptionally talented and intelligent TV host, Jon has a unique ability to transform information into an accurate and engaging content for his listeners.