An Exclusive Conversation with Vik Dewan, CEO, Philadelphia Zoo

Join fellow CEOs and our families 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:
9:00 AM - Breakfast and Discussion Followed by Zoo Tour

SPEAKER BIO: 
Vikram H. Dewan joined Philadelphia Zoo in July 2006; he is the 14^th 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.