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A professional development program centered around strengthening connection and community
with the future executive leaders of IFMA and the food-away-from-home industry.
About
Launched in 2022, IFMA Next Gen Execs is a nomination-based program that provides executive
leaders the opportunity to identify and provide high potential leaders with meaningful
connectivity and engagement in the industry.
The Next Gen Exec cohort participates in and is offered leadership opportunities throughout
select IFMA programs, events, and other touchpoints throughout the year. The program
establishes a network of committed peers to build the future of their respective
organizations and the industry at-large while serving as a professional development
resource, providing opportunities for visibility and thought leadership as well as access to
senior leaders in the community, including IFMA Board and Gold & Silver Plate Society
members.
How to Nominate
A senior leader from an IFMA member company or IFMA Foodservice Leadership Council member may
nominate up to three (3) individuals per annual cohort. Please submit nominations through
the brief online form below.
Nominations have closed. Please contact programs@ifmaworld.com with any
questions.
Who is considered a Next Gen Exec?
Individuals identified within IFMA membership as the next generation of organizational
leadership. IFMA Next Gen Execs are high-performing employees with characteristics such
as:
- Inspiring others and
driving impact in their own organization and beyond
- Commitment to the industry
and IFMA, potentially through committee involvement
- Modeling inclusive behavior
- Serving as a thought-leader
among peers
- Showing potential for the
executive track
- 10+ years of industry
experience
“The value received in the Next Gen Execs program has been endless; from networking with
new peers in the industry, learning more about other foodservice segments, to getting
access to several senior leaders across IFMA and other top world ranked manufacturers. I
especially like being part of the small groups knowing the conversations/insights being
provided is helping shape IFMA and the industry for future years to come.”
- Director of Foodservice Sales – Northeast Region, Hormel Foods Sales
Participation
Next Gen Execs participate and lead in the following ways:
- Welcome Session at IFMA Presidents Conference (November, annually)
- Peer network for shared
solutions and best practices
- Quarterly cohort meetings
(virtual)
- Project-specific
sub-committees
Opportunities to participate in sessions/panels at IFMA Events, including:
- Chain Operators EXchange –
COEX (March, annually)
- Gold & Silver Plate
Awards Weekend (May, annually)
- Virtual Marketing &
Sales Conference (August, annually)
- Access to senior leaders
such as IFMA Board Members and Gold & Silver Plate Society members
“IFMA's Next Gen Execs program was developed out of an organic desire to engage the
future leaders of the association and the food-away-from-home industry. As the inaugural
Next Gen Execs liaison to the IFMA Board of Directors, I’ve been overwhelmed at the
progress the program and this year’s cohort have made in its first year. If you are a
senior leader looking to engage your next level of leadership talent in the industry, I
encourage you to nominate and take advantage of this member benefit.” - Oliver
Kelly, President & CEO of Kerry North America
The program offers avenues for professional growth, networking, and interaction with
esteemed industry figures. Next Gen Execs consist of individuals within IFMA
membership who exhibit inspirational leadership skills, demonstrate dedication to the
industry, showcase inclusive behavior, contribute as thought leaders, and display potential
for executive positions.
“The IFMA Next Gen Execs program was a great way to network with industry leaders and
with a peer group that I would normally not be connected to. Through this program I had
an opportunity to share and speak about the future of growth in digital and Ecommerce
within the foodservice industry. The program allows you to participate within your areas
of interest and make quality connections across the industry.” - Linda
Owens, Director of Digital & Ecommerce Strategy, Nestlé Professional
"The Next Gen Execs program accelerated my involvement into the IFMA world. The
connections made, insights gleaned, and business benefits are something you cannot get
elsewhere, especially as a newer face amongst the top industry leaders." - Tim
Strand, President, RESCO
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