US-based global provider of live events and brand experiences, Freeman, has announced the appointment of Janet Dell as president and chief operating officer. In this new role, Dell will lead the company’s global business operations, overseeing strategy, creative, design, business development, customer experience, event management, supply chain, and logistics.
Dell’s appointment follows the retirement of chief operating officer Albert Chew, effective 31 October.
Freeman has consolidated the roles of chief operating officer, president, and chief growth officer into one role to create stronger integration and agility across sales, operations, and logistics.
Dell joined Freeman in March 2018 as EVP and chief growth officer and has made major efforts to refine business processes, streamline systems, and adapt go-to-market strategies for a digital-first world to position the company for growth as the event industry returns.
“Janet’s leadership and compassion for our employees, customers, and partners are unmatched,” said Freeman CEO Bob Priest-Heck. “Following the arrival of Covid-19, her guidance and empathy helped the company and our customers navigate one of the most difficult times in our industry’s history. I am confident that, as president and COO, Janet will be instrumental in our success as Freeman continues to redefine live and lead the event industry into the future.”
Prior to joining Freeman, Janet served as the CEO of Marsh ClearSight, a global risk, safety, and claims management software specialist. She was elevated to CEO after leading exponential growth as Marsh’s chief operating officer of global sales. During her tenure, the company’s annual sales topped more than US$1.2bn and global new business growth doubled.
“Freeman, and the event industry at large, is experiencing a reinvention moment as we adapt to the current environment and our new reality,” said Dell. “As president and COO, it is an honour to lead our team in creating meaningful experiences. Our industry’s future is bright, and we will continue to partner with our customers to reach their goals through strategy, digital, data, and design.”
“While the last few months have undeniably been a rollercoaster, I am deeply proud of the resilience, integrity, kindness, and innovation displayed by our people. Janet embodies all of these qualities and I entrust her to navigate our business and our industry forward,” said Freeman chair Carrie Freeman Parsons.
Dell has been recognised as a Woman to Watch by Business Insurance magazine and has received several awards for product technology innovation. She holds a business degree in finance, investment, and banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
