An Exclusive Conversation with Vik Dewan, CEO, Philadelphia Zoo
Join fellow CEOs for a highly interactive session with Vik Dewan, the CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo. What is required to run a 42 acre recreational site which houses over 1300 animals and focuses on conservation, science and education? Vik will explore with us this unique and challenging business. He will share his vision, economic and non-economic pressures, best practices of zoos, and takeaways related to leadership. We will delve in to what happens behind the scenes and the strategic thinking needed to run a successful business that appeals to animals and humans alike. This exclusive conversation with the CEO, will give you a glimpse of the Zoo as you have never seen before.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
7:30 - 8:00 AM - Gathering and Coffee
8:00 - 9:00 AM - Deluxe Continental Breakfast and Discussion
SPEAKER BIO:
Vikram H. Dewan joined Philadelphia Zoo in July 2006; he is the 14th President to lead the area’s most-visited ticketed cultural attraction, one that welcomes 1.25 million guests through its historic gates each year. Along with being America's first zoo, Philadelphia Zoo is one of the region's foremost conservation organizations, and is home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered.
As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dewan is responsible for institutional leadership and strategic direction for all programs, services, operations, and fundraising. During his tenure, the Zoo has opened several one-of-a-kind animal exhibits, launched new groundbreaking initiatives and instituted a comprehensive 10-year transformative site master plan that includes the development of an extensive animal exploration and trail system, Zoo360, that invites animals to travel throughout the Zoo’s 42-acrea campus, creating exciting and enriching experiences for the animals and guests alike.
Prior to joining Philadelphia Zoo, Dewan served as President of Wachovia Bank’s Philadelphia and Delaware region, operating nearly 100 branches managing more than 1,000 employees.
Mr. Dewan is a member of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau; the Mayor’s Cultural Advisory Panel and serves on the Board of Trustees for Vanguard Charitable. He holds an undergraduate from Cornell University, Class of ’76, and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Dewan and his wife Jami live in Philadelphia, PA., with their three dogs and have three children, and eight grandchildren.
