Aramark
2016 Leadership Summit
Aramark President and CEO Eric Foss has many notable characteristics, but perhaps his most glowing success attribute is his people first philosophy. Front line first…leadership…motivation…encouragement…these are concepts that remain in the forefront of his mind… and echo as clear and consistent mantras wherever Eric travels.
A highly effective strategist and operational tactician, Foss realizes that those aspects of running a global business are only the framework. In order to realize the goal of making Aramark the world’s top service company, an “all-in” mindset of accomplishment must be achieved with each of the company’s 270,000 employees.
Enabling the leadership potential of everyone in the organization is goal number one, and with his experiential agency Executive Visions, he utilizes a broad communications toolkit to reach it.
One of the key tools in the plan is the Aramark Leadership Summit. Each year, 250 of Aramark’s top management come together with the mission of growing and developing their leadership talents to the fullest.
The 2016 Summit found the team gathering at Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas. Partnering with Mr. Foss and Tod MacKenzie, Aramark Senior Vice President Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, the Executive Visions producing team is responsible for every detail of the elite event…from the event strategy and planning…to all creative and technical…through complete onsite management and execution.
Along with insights into corporate strategy, the Summit is designed to emphasize a blend of internal and external factors impacting the industry, providing a holistic, big-picture viewpoint. Social and cultural influences, shifting technological trends, economic and political conditions… all important factors in shaping the Aramark business environment. By learning to position the company in a broader context, the strategic thinking and everyday actions of every manager will evolve, helping push Aramark to the forefront of its industry and the business community at large.
The meeting environment itself is a contemporary, high-powered executive setting. With its enveloping theatrical set, a widescreen LED backdrop loaded with original media, and a sprawling arrangement of plush leather chairs, it feels like a place reserved for top leaders. The vibe is highly symbolic of the importance of these managers and the crucial role each of them plays.
The general session features a heavy hitting list of guest speakers with some of the most interesting and relevant viewpoints on the global scene…Professor Gary Hamel, Business Strategy Leader and Author…David Novak, Former Executive Chairman, Yum! Brands…Liz Wiseman, Leadership Consultant…Deborah Roberts, ABC News and 20/20 Correspondent…Norman Ornstein, Political Analyst and Scholar, American Enterprise Institute…and Col. Greg Gadson, U.S. Army (Retired).
The program was a diverse mix of individual lectures, coupled with moderated discussions amongst multiple speakers and Aramark executives. Filled with point and counterpoint, the sessions produce a highly thought provoking look at the realities, challenges and responsibilities of being a leader in contemporary life and business.
Afterwards, attendees participated in teambuilding activities and took time to enjoy plenty of fun camaraderie with their colleagues and friends. Recognition was also a key component, and the event was capped off by the “Stars of Excellence” Awards Dinner.
Departing Las Vegas, the key leadership of Aramark have built the foundation of a deeper, more inspired leadership capability and enjoy a heightened motivation that will enhance every facet of their performance.
The 2016 Aramark Leadership Summit…one of many important moments in the year-round matrix of events produced together by Aramark and Executive Visions.
