Bozoma Saint John is a renowned business executive, marketing strategist, reality television personality, and author with a net worth of $10 million as of 2025. Over the years, she has held high-profile positions at Netflix, Uber, Apple Music, and PepsiCo, showcasing her marketing prowess across diverse industries. Her career trajectory and influence have earned her a place in the American Marketing Association Marketing Hall of Fame, while her recent foray into reality television on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) in 2024 has introduced her to a new audience.
Early Life and Education
Bozoma Saint John was born Bozoma A. Arthur on January 21, 1977, in Middletown, Connecticut. She is the daughter of Aba Arthur (née Enim) and Rev. Dr. Appianda Arthur, and she has a sister, Alua, who is both a lawyer and a death doula. Her Ghanaian roots played a significant role in shaping her worldview, as her family moved to Ghana when she was just six months old.
During her childhood, Saint John also lived in Kenya, Nairobi, and Washington, D.C., before relocating to Colorado Springs at age 12. Her father, a talented clarinetist and former member of the Ghana Army, later pursued a PhD in ethnomusicology at Wesleyan University, inspiring Bozoma to embrace ambition and excellence in her own career.
She earned a degree in African-American Studies and English from Wesleyan University in 1999 and later served on the President’s Advisory Council at her alma mater.
Career: A Marketing Powerhouse
Bozoma Saint John’s career spans advertising, music, technology, and entertainment, making her one of the most influential marketers of her generation.
Early Marketing Roles and PepsiCo (2005–2014)
Saint John kick-started her career at renowned advertising firms such as Arnold Worldwide and Spike DDB, founded by Spike Lee. She later became Vice President of Marketing at Ashley Stewart, a fashion brand catering to plus-sized women.
In 2005, she joined PepsiCo, where she spearheaded major music and entertainment partnerships. By 2014, she had become the Head of Music and Entertainment Marketing, securing high-profile endorsements with A-list artists like Beyoncé.
Apple Music and Netflix: A Trailblazer in Tech and Entertainment
After nearly a decade at PepsiCo, Saint John transitioned to Beats Music in 2014, shortly before Apple acquired the company. She was then promoted to Apple Music’s Head of Global Consumer Marketing, where she became known for her dynamic presence at Apple events. Her 2016 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) presentation was a viral moment, with BuzzFeed calling her “the coolest person to ever go onstage at an Apple event.”
In 2017, she moved to Uber as Chief Brand Officer, working to improve the company’s image and culture amid high-profile controversies. However, she left a year later, citing a toxic work environment and a need to focus on more impactful ventures.
By June 2020, Saint John became Netflix’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), marking a historic milestone as the company’s first-ever Black C-level executive. While she reportedly earned $4 million annually, her tenure lasted just 17 months before she exited in March 2022.
Expanding Horizons: Reality TV, Writing, and Entrepreneurship
In 2023, Saint John published her memoir, The Urgent Life: My Story of Love, Loss, and Survival, where she reflected on her personal and professional experiences.
Her foray into reality television in 2024 on RHOBH marked another evolution in her public persona. The show introduced her to a mainstream audience, giving fans a glimpse into her luxurious lifestyle, high-powered career, and personal struggles.
Additionally, Saint John founded Eve by Boz, a haircare brand designed to empower women through beauty and self-expression.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Bozoma Saint John married Peter Saint John in 2003, and they were together until Peter’s passing from cancer in 2013. Though separated at the time of his diagnosis, they reconciled before his death. The couple had two daughters, Eve and Lael, but tragically, Eve passed away after being born prematurely.
Saint John has been an advocate for women’s empowerment and racial equality. In 2020, she co-founded the #ShareTheMicNow campaign, which saw 52 Black women take over the Instagram accounts of 52 high-profile white women to amplify voices and drive social change.
She also serves as a Global Ambassador for Pencils of Promise and a board member for organizations such as Vital Voices and Girls Who Code.
Real Estate Investments
Saint John has made strategic real estate investments, including:
- A $3.2 million home in Hancock Park, Los Angeles (purchased in 2019)
- A $5.2 million beachfront property in Malibu (purchased in 2021)
Unfortunately, her Malibu home was destroyed in the 2025 Palisades Fire, a devastating loss that has impacted her real estate portfolio.
Awards and Recognition
Bozoma Saint John’s trailblazing career has earned her numerous accolades, including:
- Billboard’s Top Women in Music (2015) and Female Executive of the Year (2016)
- Ad Age’s 40 Under 40 Innovators List
- Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People
- Fortune’s 40 Under 40 and Disruptors Lists
- American Marketing Association Marketing Hall of Fame (2022)
Her Henry Crown Fellowship from the Aspen Institute in 2017 further solidified her status as an innovative leader.
