DALLAS -- The Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) has announced that its board of directors has selected Hattie Hill as the organization's next president and CEO effective June 1.
Hill is an international leadership development expert, business owner, best-selling author and globally renowned thought leader. Over her more than 30 years as the CEO of Hattie Hill Enterprises Inc., her organization provided leadership development for thousands of senior leaders at numerous Fortune 500 companies and major organizations throughout North America and 51 countries, including such foodservice companies as McDonald's, Frito-Lay, Aramark and Compass.
"We chose Hattie because of her extensive knowledge of the foodservice industry and her proven track record of creating and leading world class, customized executive leadership development programs," said Susan Gambardella, WFF board chair and vice president of the global account team for Coca-Cola Refreshments. "Hattie shares our passion for preparing a pipeline of talent to increase gender representation in the executive ranks of foodservice companies from 15% to 30%."
Her vast experience with WFF includes serving as an executive consultant to the board, member of the board for the past six years and interim CEO. As an executive consultant to WFF, she has provided business strategy and oversight related to risk assessment, revenue and operations, as well as spearheaded the creation and implementation of WFF's Global Diversity & Inclusion Initiative. In late 2013, she took on the role of WFF CEO on an interim basis.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead such an exceptional organization that has a clear and focused mission of changing the face of leadership in the foodservice industry and making it the industry of choice for women seeking opportunity and career advancement," said Hill. "As we prepare for the next chapter in the organization's 25 year history, our goal is to help open more doors for the advancement of women and create better equity in the leadership ranks of this $683 billion industry."
The foodservice industry is the second-largest private-sector employer in the United States and employs one in 10 people.
Hill is an expert in global leadership and gender issues and has been quoted in numerous national and local news media on matters concerning talent management in corporate America. She has served as a member of the board for the following organizations: the Federal Reserve, Emory University Gozuieta Business School, Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce and Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. Hill is also a best-selling author of three books--Smart Choices That Will Change Your Life, Smart Women-Smart Choices and Connecting to Make a Difference in Your Life.
The WFF is the industry's premier leadership development organization with more than 25 years of experience advancing women in the foodservice industry. WFF serves thousands of individuals and hundreds of employers in all segments of the industry including operations, manufacturing, distribution, publishing, consulting, and more. Through highly effective and educational events such as the Annual Leadership Development Conference, Executive Summit and Regional Connects as well as professional development and networking opportunities, WFF provides the competence, content and strategic connections needed to make a positive difference in the careers of women in the foodservice industry.
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