Walt Sheffler Tapped to Lead Strategic Contracting Function
ROCKVILLE, MD – August 19, 2009 – Avendra, the hospitality industry’s leading procurement services company, announces changes to the senior management team. Scott Hollis, senior vice president of strategic contracting, and Bill Tilghman, deputy general counsel and vice president, both of whom have been with the company since its inception, plan to retire at the end of this year. Succeeding Hollis will be Walt Sheffler who has been promoted to senior vice president of strategic contracting. Jerry Kraisinger was named as general counsel of Avendra in May and has assumed leadership of the company’s legal department.
Prior to Avendra, Hollis worked with Marriott International for nearly 20 years. He held various positions within the procurement organization including heading up the contracting function upon the formation of The Marketplace by Marriott, a predecessor to Avendra. “The formation of Avendra was groundbreaking and there were many who questioned whether the concept would work,” Hollis stated. “What has been very rewarding to me personally is the tremendous success that the company has become. I am proud to have been a contributor to that success.”
Dennis Baker, president and CEO of Avendra, describes Hollis’ impact, “It would be impossible to recount all of the significant contributions Scott has made to Avendra, including the many people he has helped and mentored and the counsel he has provided me. Scott’s leadership role has been critical to both the creation and ultimate success of Avendra. From his initial involvement in forming the strategic vision to his oversight of the operational execution that ensured we achieved the vision - his levels of dedication and commitment have been extraordinary.”
In his new position as head of strategic contracting, Sheffler will manage supply chain initiatives and oversee a team of experts responsible for contracts representing nearly $3 billion dollars in annual customer spend. Sheffler was previously the vice president of procurement responsible for all food and beverage spend at Avendra. He joined the company in 2001 from Marriott International where he was vice president of procurement, responsible for food and beverage procurement activities worldwide. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and is actively involved in a wide range of industry associations.
“Walt has the supply chain experience and in-depth knowledge necessary to fill this critical role at Avendra. Of equal importance is his commitment to evolving Avendra’s contracting strategy in a manner that ensures Avendra continues to bring extraordinary value to our customers and suppliers now and in the future,” stated Baker.
Bill Tilghman, Avendra’s deputy general counsel and vice president, also plans to retire at the end of 2009. Until then, he will be working closely with Kraisinger to ensure an effective transition of duties and responsibilities.
“Bill has made many contributions to the company as a valued part of the senior management team during his tenure,” noted Baker. “He has provided excellent legal oversight and guidance across the broad spectrum of Avendra’s business needs and is respected and valued by customers, suppliers and associates alike.”
Baker added, “I would like to personally thank both Bill and Scott for their dedicated service to Avendra, and I know the entire Avendra team joins me in wishing them both all the best as they embark on retirement.”
About Avendra
Avendra is North America’s leading procurement services company serving hospitality-related industries. Avendra customers gain access to contracts leveraging $3 billion of annual purchases, expert advisory services and in-depth purchasing data and analysis. Through Avendra, customers obtain substantial savings on their purchases and other value added services to improve their operations and bottom line results. Formed in 2001, the company is headquartered in Rockville, MD and has regional offices throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, please call (866) AVENDRA, visit www.avendra.com, or email inquiries to info@avendra.com.
Contact:
Lindsay Hargett
301-825-0500