ShapeGlobal event production company Freeman announced Janet Dell, Freeman’s current president and COO, will be appointed CEO of the company following the retirement of current CEO Bob Priest-Heck, who is retiring this summer after 15 years of service. Dell is set to be appointed July 1, 2024, and Priest-Heck will continue as a member of Freeman’s Board of Directors.
Since joining Freeman in March 2018, Dell has held multiple roles and currently leads Freeman’s global long-term strategy execution. She has played an important role in helping reshape Freeman’s workforce in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic by rehiring 95% of furloughed employees, onboarding over 3,000 new employees and driving record revenue, according to the company.
“Since Janet joined Freeman in 2018, she has transformed Freeman in ways large and small,” said Priest-Heck in a press release. “She has instilled a data-driven approach to decision-making, cultivated an integrated operating model to drive better cross-team collaboration and customer experience, and made meaningful strides to expand and diversify our workforce. Janet’s leadership and compassion are unmatched, and I look forward to seeing her lead Freeman in this exciting and dynamic time for the company and the events industry at large.”
Dell is excited about her new role leading the company and says she learned a lot from Priest-Heck during their time working together.
“Over the past five years, it has been an honor to be part of Freeman as it evolved into the company it is today,” Dell said in a press release. “Having the opportunity to work closely with Bob has taught me a tremendous amount about the industry, leading with integrity and empathy, and our talented and resilient team across all levels and functions is truly an inspiration. I am humbled and honored to step into the role of CEO and look forward to leading Freeman as we continue to create meaningful experiences for our clients.”
