About the Author
Doug Melville is a celebrated author, TED speaker, Forbes contributor, and one of today’s most innovative and sought-out voices in reputation management, workforce AI, leadership, and international equity. He is the former Global Head of Culture, Equity & Inclusion for luxury holding company Richemont. He sat on the Governance and Sustainability Committee and traveled to 40 countries to draft the vision, measure and embedding metrics, and solve business challenges.
Doug Melville’s journey began in 2012 at TBWA (Omnicom), a global advertising agency, advising brands such as Apple, AirBnB, PepsiCo, and Amazon, on reputation management. Prior to advertising, he sat on the executive team of Magic Johnson Enterprises to create top line revenue by building out his brand, holdings and partnerships. He also served as an advisor for Tommy Hilfiger’s capital management firm, T Capital Management.
In his book, Invisible Generals, Doug Melville tells the amazing true story of America’s first Black generals, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. and Jr., a father and son who helped integrate the American military and created the Tuskegee Airmen, working with eight different US Presidential administrations, from FDR to Jimmy Carter.
Doug Melville examines how to draw strength from uncovering and reclaiming history by utilizing your ancestors’ victories to broaden your vision of what’s possible today; becoming a voice for the voiceless; harnessing the power of perseverance to understand and overcome generational challenges; and building on family legacy.
In his personal time, Doug Melville works across the public sector – from West Point to the Air Force Academy – to recognize the accomplishments and achievements of his family and diverse trailblazers. Born in Connecticut, he has traveled to 75 countries to better understand cultural differences and business through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. He is an alum of Syracuse University.
Contact the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau to book Doug Melville as a keynote speaker on the Workplace, AI, and leadership. Use the Request a Speaker form or email info@simonspeakers.com to speak to Doug Melville booking agent to request his speaking fee, booking information, and availability.
Raves and Reviews
Praise for Doug Melville
Doug Melville delivered an incredibly impactful and thought-provoking virtual session for our VS&Co. Press Pause monthly speaker series, helping to kick-off our 2026 theme of THRIVE. His talk, “5 Ways to Thrive in 2026,” resonated deeply with associates—offering practical insight on reputation, storytelling, and the critical roles of mentors, sponsors, and coaches in career growth. Doug’s clarity, authenticity, and ability to connect made this discussion both memorable and actionable.
—Dionne Shelton, Global Inclusion & Belonging, Victoria’s Secret & Co.
Doug did an incredible job, as always! We had over 700 people watching and listening and very engaged with his discussion. We have had so much positive feedback from his session from our Verisk employees. He has been one of my favorite speakers for years and it was an honor to see him again.”
—Verisk Analytics
Doug captivated our company with an incredible story for Black History Month. It was engaging, funny, educational and most of all got people to want to come together and not sit at their desks. One of the best we have had. In fact I had him speak at two other organizations I support as well.”
—Alvin Bowles, VP Global Business Group, Meta
For us, Doug Melville is the one we trust and has been consistently in the top 3 requested speakers of our 200+ database of c-suite and senior leaders from agencies and Fortune 100 brands.”
—Adrienne C. Smith, VP of Inclusion, Flieshman Hillard & Founder, Inkwell Beach Davos
Praise for Invisible Generals
The book Black America needs in this moment. This American story is rooted in family, loyalty, heart, and excellence. Doug’s family is representative of our own families . . . rooted in the consistent legacies of connection, disruption, and love in ways we can all be proud of.”
—Eboni K. Williams, journalist, attorney, and author of Pretty Powerful
For centuries, Black people’s contributions to American history have been overlooked—including their contributions to US military prowess. As Black Americans, our stories have power. And it’s long past time to reclaim that power.”
—Charlamagne Tha God, New York Times bestselling author of Black Privilege
A thoughtful, highly readable blend of family and military history.”
—Kirkus Reviews
In the Media
“AI May Be The Spark Needed To Evolve DEI As It Comes Under Fire”
“How a father and son fought segregation and became the first Black generals in the US military”
“A New Book Explores the History of a Groundbreaking Military Family”
“Invisible Generals: the Black military pioneers hidden in US history”
“The Pioneering Black Generals Who Struggled Against Invisibility”
“If Washington picks Red Tails, Tuskegee Airmen nonprofit wants to make sure it’s done right”
“Brands beware: Lessons from the downfall of Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben”
“The right way for companies to weigh in on racism, according to experts”
