#United States #Westchester #campus retail #Follett #Roger Francis

Follett Higher Education's New Leadership

In a significant move to advance its retail operations, Follett Higher Education has announced the appointment of Roger Francis as the new Chief of Stores. This decision comes as part of the company's ongoing commitment to enhance the shopping experience for students and faculty at more than 1,000 campus locations across North America.

Roger Francis brings with him an impressive background, boasting over 25 years of executive leadership experience in diverse sectors including retail, healthcare, foodservice, and distribution. His track record is marked by successful transformations within these industries, focusing on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

A Vision for Exceptional Customer Experience

In his new role, Roger is set to lead a dedicated team responsible for Follett’s extensive retail network. His primary objective will be to enrich the customer experience for students, faculty, alumni, and campus supporters. By bridging the gap between strategic planning and execution, Roger aims to ensure that every interaction within Follett's stores meets the highest standards.

Roger succeeds Stephen Bone, who held the position for four years and contributed significantly to strengthening partnerships with institutions, paving the way for Follett's continued growth. Emmanuel Kolady, CEO of Follett Higher Education, expressed gratitude for Stephen's impactful leadership while emphasizing confidence in Roger's capabilities to drive the company's future.

“Roger’s extensive experience working with complex organizations makes him ideally suited to elevate Follett’s retail strategy,” Kolady asserted. “We are excited for him to leverage his skills in developing teams and driving change as we move forward.”

Background and Experience

Roger's impressive career includes senior roles with organizations such as Sysco, National Vision, and CVS Health. His previous positions allowed him to develop robust operations across the United States and extend his influence into Canada and Latin America. Notable achievements in his career include optimizing performance management, enhancing team development, and turning ambitious business strategies into tangible results.

Building Strong Campus Connections

Roger expressed enthusiasm about the role and his eagerness to join a team highly committed to supporting students and campus communities. He mentioned, “Follett has an incredible opportunity to innovate our approach towards aiding students, ensuring a superior journey through their academic experiences.” His strong dedication to listening actively to campus partners reflects a commitment to enhancing the overall value of the campus store experience.

As Follett Higher Education continues its trajectory of growth, Roger’s insights and leadership will play a vital role in evolving the retail landscape for college and university campuses. Follett’s omnichannel approach ensures students have access to not only course materials but also licensed collegiate merchandise and diverse retail experiences tailored to their needs.

Conclusion

Follett Higher Education remains a key player in the North American educational sector, focusing on partnerships that celebrate and support the communities it serves. With Roger Francis at the helm of its retail operations, there is renewed optimism about the future direction and innovation in how Follett engages with students and educational institutions.

For further details about Follett's offerings, visit Follett.com.