ABOUT
  

Launched in 2022, Next Gen Execs is a nomination-based program that provides executives the opportunity to provide high performing leaders on their teams with meaningful connectivity and engagement in the industry.

Next Gen Execs consist of individuals within IFMA The Food Away from Home Association membership who exhibit inspirational leadership skills, demonstrate dedication to the industry, showcase inclusive behavior, contribute as thought leaders, and display potential for executive positions.

VALUE
  

Each Next Gen Execs cohort serves for one year and participates in leadership opportunities through select Association programs, events, and other touchpoints. 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 our Board and Gold & Silver Plate Society members.  

NOMINATIONS - CLOSED
  

IFMA The Food Away from Home Association Manufacturer member companies at the Tier Two and Tier Three level, along with Tier Two supply chain members, Tier Three service provider members, and active participants in our Foodservice Leadership Councils may nominate candidates for the program.

Each company may nominate up to two individuals per annual cohort. Please submit nominations through the brief online form below. 

 

 

Next Gen Execs Participate and lead in: 

  • Welcome Session at Presidents Conference (November, annually) 
  • Quarterly cohort meetings (virtual) 
  • Project-specific sub-committees
  • Peer network for shared solutions and best practices 

 

Opportunities to participate in sessions/panels at 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 

 

Who is considered a Next Gen Exec?

Next Gen Execs are high-performing employees within our membership who: 

  • Are actively employed within a qualifying IFMA member company and show potential for the executive track
  • Inspire others and drive impact in their own organization and beyond
  • Show commitment to the industry and IFMA, potentially through committee involvement, and serve as thought leaders among their peers
  • Model inclusive behavior
  • Have the band-width to meet the Next Gen Execs time commitment
  • Have a minimum of five years of industry experience 
 

Please contact stefanee@ifmaworld.com with any questions. 

 

Hear from the Industry

“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

“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 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." 

-Time Strand, President & CEO of RESCO