Devon Bice Hilton
NEPTUNE BEACH,FL
Summary
A highly accomplished and strategic senior leader with over 20 years of experience in the food service and facilities management industries. Proven success in driving significant growth, improving profitability, and leading complex organizational transformations for multi-billion-dollar companies. Adept at developing and executing corporate strategies, leading high-performing teams, and managing key business functions including sales, marketing, and operations. Seeking to leverage a strong background in strategic planning, business development, and mergers & acquisitions to deliver exceptional results in a new leadership role.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Strategy & Growth Officer
Elior North America
07.2024 - 06.2025
- Leader of growth organization for $1.5B multi-segment company, responsible for growth, retention, marketing, sales enablement, culinary, and corporate social responsibility.
- Achieved a record-breaking year with a 185% increase in new business, a 46.5% reduction in lost business, and an 887% increase in net growth.
- Developed and executed brand strategies across market segments, including rebranding and realignment, to support overall corporate strategy.
- Drove significant improvements in net profitability through a focus on the sales process and corporate reorganization.
- Evaluated competitor strategies to identify potential threats and develop effective countermeasures for sustained competitive advantage.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure alignment between business objectives and growth initiatives.
- Expanded company growth by identifying new market opportunities and executing strategic initiatives.
- Built a high-performing team by recruiting top talent, providing ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting open communication, collaboration, and professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Implemented efficient processes to streamline operations, reducing overhead costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Drove organizational change initiatives that improved efficiency, employee morale, and overall business outcomes.
- Optimized productivity through the introduction of relevant training programs for employees at all levels of the organization.
- Improved overall company performance with data-driven analysis of key metrics and implementation of optimization strategies.
Senior Vice President of Strategy
Elior North America
01.2021 - 07.2024
- Shaped and executed comprehensive corporate strategy, including strategic planning and business/functional alignment.
- Led strategic initiatives, driving tangible and financial results.
- Supported M&A strategy from deal identification to post-merger integration.
- Successfully completed divestment of an underperforming business, exceeding financial targets.
- Led the first company acquisition in five years, which exceeded valuation projections in its first year and retained all clients’ post-integration.
- Collaborated with executive leadership team members on long-term strategic planning that ensured sustainable success for the company.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration across the organization.
Managing Director of Growth
TRIO Community Meals
10.2018 - 10.2021
- Drove double-digit sales growth and achieved 99% retention rates year over year.
- Led a high-performing team of sales executives in securing multi-million-dollar contracts.
- Developed and implemented a 5-year strategic growth plan.
- Led post-merger integration of Bateman Community Living and the rebranding/restructuring of three legacy companies.
- Developed and implemented a corporate retention strategy across Elior North America.
Vice President of Business Development
Valley Services
01.2016 - 10.2018
- Led growth and retention across various contract food service segments.
- Provided subject matter expert support for healthcare sales opportunities.
- Led the implementation of Salesforce across Elior North America and developed a standardized sales process.
- Optimized sales processes to improve efficiency and close rates on deals.
- Established robust pipelines of potential clients through effective networking initiatives.
- Negotiated contracts with key clients, securing long-term commitments and favorable terms for the company.
Vice President – Healthcare Systems
Aramark Healthcare
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Responsible for business development in large, multi-site health systems, consulting with C-level executives to leverage Aramark’s capabilities.
- Negotiated incentive-based contracts tied to performance metrics such as patient satisfaction (HCAHPS) and financial outcomes.
- Fostered strategic relationships with clients and promoted internal cooperation to best serve client needs.
- Founding member of Aramark Healthcare’s sales council focused on improving the sales organization.
Director of Business Development
Aramark Healthcare
03.2004 - 12.2014
- Led new business growth in the South Region, managing strategic planning, proposal development, and contract negotiation.
- Successfully led strategic renewals for key accounts, including Duke University Health System and Johns Hopkins University Health System.
- Received multiple Aramark Healthcare Leadership Awards (2005, 2006, 2012, and 2014).
Account Executive
Johnson Controls, Inc.
04.2000 - 08.2003
- Secured multimillion-dollar bundled offerings in the healthcare industry.
- Developed and managed long-term customer relationships.
- Received a leadership award for Six Sigma Gross Profit Variance Reduction and a Merit Award for developing the Healthcare Guidebook.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management
Nashville, TN01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA01.1999
Some College (No Degree) - Study Abroad Program
University of Plymouth
Plymouth, England01.1999
Skills
Strategic Planning
Customer Acquisition and Retention
Team development and enablement
- Conversion optimization
- Creative direction
- Customer acquisition
- Competitor analysis
- Relationship building
Timeline
Chief Strategy & Growth Officer
Elior North America
07.2024 - 06.2025
Senior Vice President of Strategy
Elior North America
01.2021 - 07.2024
Managing Director of Growth
TRIO Community Meals
10.2018 - 10.2021
Vice President of Business Development
Valley Services
01.2016 - 10.2018
Vice President – Healthcare Systems
Aramark Healthcare
01.2015 - 12.2015
Director of Business Development
Aramark Healthcare
03.2004 - 12.2014
Account Executive
Johnson Controls, Inc.
04.2000 - 08.2003
Master of Business Administration -
Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Some College (No Degree) - Study Abroad Program
University of Plymouth
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