This year’s Black History Month is made more significant with a milestone achievement in the foodservice community: six black CEOs at the helm of major companies — Clarence Otis, Jr. – Darden; Steven A. Davis – Bob Evans; Don Thompson – McDonald’s Corporation; Aylwin B. Lewis – Potbelly’s; James D. White – Jamba Juice and Leonard A. Comma – Jack-in-the-Box.

 

While the appointment of these CEOs occurred over a period of time, the culminating point was reached this January 1, 2014, with the announcement of Leonard Comma’s takeover of the top spot in his company.

 

Part of Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA)’s efforts to connect the multicultural community is to recognize leaders of Black/African-American, Asian Pacific-American and Hispanic/Latino heritage. They are honored each year.

 

Gerry A. Fernandez, MFHA president and founder says: “We believe that the restaurant, foodservice, and lodging industries offer more opportunity for people of all different backgrounds than any other industry sector in America. No other industry has gone further in terms of key leadership appointment for those with multicultural heritage.”

 

Also featured in the ad are key senior and other C-suite executives from member companies: AdvancePierre Foods, the Coca-Cola Company, Compass Group North America, Darden, Focus Brands Inc., General Mills, Kellogg Company, PepsiCo, Starbucks Coffee Company, Sodexo, and Yum! Brands.