Industry Veteran Larry Luteran Named Chief Sales Officer of Freeman Audio Visual
April 18, 2016
Industry Veteran Larry Luteran has been brought on my parent company Freeman to Freeman Audio Visual, as the company continues to grow its global presence.
Named chief sales officer, Luteran will be responsible for the revenue performance of Freeman Audio Visual, Freeman Audio Visual Canada and Encore Event Technologies.
During the past six years, Freeman has broadened its Audio Visual presence by expanding its AV technology division through organic growth and acquisitions around the world.
“We’re building a strong leadership team with a focus on extending the company’s reach, with expanded programs that drive continued growth,” said Ken Sanders, president of Freeman Audio Visual.
He added, “To do this, we are investing in exceptional talent and bringing the right people on board, like Larry, who can authentically integrate the voice of our customers into our comprehensive global strategy.” Sanders adds, “I consider Larry a ‘triple threat’ talent with significant experience in not only hospitality, but corporate and association sales.”
Luteran, the former senior vice president of group sales and industry relations at Hilton Worldwide, brings a unique, client-minded perspective to Freeman.
With three decades of leadership in the meeting and events industry, he will be invaluable in aligning the strategies and objectives of Freeman’s sales teams, with a strong emphasis on personalized customer service, according to Freeman officials.
Luteran will report to Ken Sanders, president of Freeman Audio Visual.
“The opportunity to be part of the team at Freeman is very exciting given its rich culture and commitment to connecting people in meaningful ways. I’m thrilled to join the Freeman family, where I look forward to extending our client relationships and contributing to Freeman’s growth as a leader in the meetings and event industry,” Luteran said.
He added, “I look forward to providing meaningful experiences to our audio visual customers. I’ve spent a big part of my career advocating for the power of face-to-face meetings and Freeman is the company that brings it all to life and that for me is very exciting.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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