Freeman President John O'Connell Retiring, Bob Priest-Heck Stepping Into Role
July 18, 2013
Freeman’s chief sales officer, Bob Priest-Heck, will step into the president and COO role when John O’Connell, the company’s current president, retires June 30, 2014.
The leadership transfer will be in phases, with Priest-Heck assuming the COO role Aug. 1 of this year and reporting to O’Connell and Freeman CEO Joe Popolo.
When O’Connell retires, Priest-Heck will step in his new president role, overseeing the Freeman Companies, overseeing Freeman’s Exposition business, as well as Freeman AV and FreemanXP.
"As a family and employee-owned business, we take great care to ensure that our leaders reflect our company values of integrity, empathy, innovation, enthusiasm and performance excellence,” Popolo said.
He added, “This thoughtful, long-range approach has enabled us to build our management team with strong leaders like John and Bob, whom our customers and employee-owners can count on to be with us for the long haul.”
Prior to joining Freeman, Priest-Heck served as president and CEO of both Immersa Marketing and Wheelhouse Solutions, which Freeman acquired in 2011.
He also served as president and CEO of MediaLive International Inc., where he worked with media brands such as Interop, Business Communications Review Magazine, COMDEX, Seybold Seminars and Publishing, and Web 2.0.
In addition, was vice president, International Operations at SOFTBANK Expos; executive vice president of Operations for Ziff-Davis; and held various positions with Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Priest-Heck also is a board member for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).
He will be only the fifth person to hold the president title at Freeman in 86 years.
“Bob has a proven track record of bringing together strategic, collaborative and high-performing teams,” O’Connell said.
He added, “I’m confident that Bob’s passion and expertise uniquely position him to lead the Freeman team as we continue to not only grow and expand our business but also deepen our relationships with our valued clients.”
O’Connell has worked with Freeman for 25 years and personally produced several of Freeman's largest shows including the New York International Auto Show and the Boston Seafood Show.
“John is an outstanding leader. He helped guide our company through both challenging times and exciting opportunities,” Popolo said.
He added, “We are all incredibly grateful for John’s many contributions to our clients, our employees and our company throughout his distinguished tenure with Freeman and look forward to benefitting from John’s leadership as a member of our Board of Directors.”
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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