Leadership

Zerrick Pearson is the Chief Information Officer for Five Guys Enterprises, L.L.C., a company that operates more than 1350 franchised or company-operated restaurants domestically and internationally. Zerrick is responsible for developing and implementing information technology initiatives across the Enterprise.

As a seasoned professional with over 26 years of technology hospitality experience, Ted is known for a client-centric approach to the business by developing high-performing business relationships that consistently provide digital experiences to business agendas to drive profitable growth and enhance business margin.

Vikram Badhwar is an IT executive with over 15 years of experience leading transformation programs for some of the world’s largest hospitality brands.

Kevin brings over 20 years of leadership experience, building teams and directing projects. He is a highly strategic individual who has a knack for seeing the big picture, and his highly diverse background, along with his creative and collaborative approach to business and relationships, fits well in just about any culture.

Ed Kruczek currently holds the position of Chief Technology Officer at Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands (LVRB), a franchisee overseeing Red Robin and Wingstop restaurant concepts in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, he plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the strategic technological initiatives that contribute to the overall success of LVRB's restaurant operations.

Samuel D. Stanovich, widely recognized as the "International People Connector," brings over two decades of distinguished experience in the hospitality industry. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Franchise Leadership and Alliances at Big Chicken, leveraging his expertise in building strategic relationships and driving franchise growth. In 2024 was named in the Inaugural class of Top 30 of Catering Executives.

Yvette Vincent, Marriott Continent IT Leader for the US & Canada, is responsible for providing strategic guidance and driving key technology-enabled initiatives for the region.

Lou is an Information Technology Executive with over 35 years of experience in creating shareholder value and operational effectiveness through business process reengineering, IT and business alignment, and technology implementation.

The IFBTA was launched at FSTEC (Foodservice Technology Conference and Showcase) 2014 which was founded by Rob in 1996, and is a non-profit professional association promoting and advancing technology and innovation for the global food and beverage industries.

Michael L. Kasavana, Ph.D., is the Emeritus NAMA Endowed Professor in Hospitality Business, The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University having retired from MSU after nearly four decades of teaching and research.

Lauren Selman is the Vice President of Operations for the International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA) with experience in communications and social media marketing.