25 Aug TOP 100 FRANCHISE SPEAKERS: BOOK & HIRE KEYNOTE TALKS BY FUTURIST EXPERTS
Today’s Top 100 franchise speakers who keynote and futurist consulting experts are the voices behind the globe’s biggest brands. After all, like franchising pros on all sides of the fence (franchisors, franchisees, etc.) can tell you, the industry thrives on visionary leadership. The Top 100 franchise speakers behind the world’s most recognized hotel, fast food, travel, restaurant, etc. chains are executives who not only drive growth—but also inspire others through their insights.
From futurist thought leaders to CEOs who’ve built and scaled global empires, you’ll find it all here. So if you’re a corporate meeting, conference or convention event planner, you won’t want to miss the Top 100 franchise speakers list.
Do keep in mind as we go through it that the field is constantly changing. As such, the range of Top 100 franchise speakers consultants and presenters tends to rapidly shift as well.
Over time, you may see impact and influence wax and wane. Likewise, you may have your own Top 100 franchise speakers that you favor. In any event, let’s take a closer look at who’s on the readout.
1. Scott Steinberg
A globally recognized futurist and innovation strategist for 3000 brands, celebrity keynote speaker Scott Steinberg is known for advising businesses on growth, disruption, and future trends. He’s a frequent speaker for franchise events worldwide.
- Brian Niccol – CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Chris Kempczinski – CEO of McDonald’s
- David Gibbs – CEO of Yum! Brands (Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut)
- José Cil – Former CEO of Restaurant Brands International (Burger King, Popeyes)
- Josh Kobza – CEO of Restaurant Brands International
- Todd Penegor – CEO of Wendy’s
- Paul Brown – CEO of Inspire Brands (Arby’s, Dunkin’, Sonic)
- Kevin Hochman – CEO of Brinker International (Chili’s, Maggiano’s)
- G.J. Hart – CEO of Red Robin
- Michael Tattersfield – CEO of Krispy Kreme
- Charlie Morrison – CEO of Salad and Go
- Michael Skipworth – CEO of Wingstop
- Jason L. McGowan – CEO of Crumbl Cookies
- Paul Damico – CEO of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
- Jeff Appelbaum – CEO of Salt & Straw
- Geoff Goodman – CEO of Original ChopShop
- Rich Hicks – CEO of Pie Tap Pizza
- Beto Guajardo – CEO of Blaze Pizza
- Clay Dover – CEO of Velvet Taco
- John Cappasola – CEO of Del Taco
- Rob Lynch – CEO of Papa John’s
- Russell Weiner – CEO of Domino’s Pizza
- Christopher Thomas-Moore – CEO of Marco’s Pizza
- Darcy Bretz – CEO of Hungry Howie’s
- Ron Bellamy – CEO of Fazoli’s
- John Chidsey – CEO of Subway
- David Deno – CEO of Bloomin’ Brands (Outback, Carrabba’s)
- Gene Lee – Former CEO of Darden Restaurants (Olive Garden, LongHorn)
- Kim Lopdrup – Former CEO of Red Lobster
- Greg Creed – Former CEO of Yum! Brands
- Steve Ritchie – Former CEO of Papa John’s
- J. Patrick Doyle – Former CEO of Domino’s
- Lynsi Snyder – President of In-N-Out Burger
- Rick Silva – CEO of Checkers & Rally’s
- Carl Howard – CEO of Fazoli’s (previous)
- Mike Rypka – Founder and CEO of Torchy’s Tacos
- Ben Butler – CEO of Zaxby’s
- Alex Macedo – Former president of Burger King
- James North – CEO of Jimmy John’s
- Peter Cancro – CEO of Jersey Mike’s
- Paul Macaluso – CEO of Another Broken Egg Café
- Nick Reader – Co-founder of PDQ
- Cynthia Williams – CEO of Sprinkles Cupcakes
- Robert Rosenberg – Former CEO of Dunkin’ Donuts
- Nigel Travis – Former CEO of Dunkin’ Brands
- Barry McGowan – CEO of Fogo de Chão
- John Pepper – Co-founder of Boloco
- Steve Heeley – CEO of Pokeworks
- Dave Boennighausen – CEO of Noodles & Company
- Anthony Capuano – CEO of Marriott International
- Christopher Nassetta – CEO of Hilton
- Mark Hoplamazian – CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation
- Patrick Pacious – CEO of Choice Hotels
- Geoff Ballotti – CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Elie Maalouf – CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group
- Arne Sorenson – Former CEO of Marriott International
- Sebastien Bazin – CEO of AccorHotels
- David Kong – Former CEO of Best Western
- John Murray – CEO of Sonesta International
- Bill Hornbuckle – CEO of MGM Resorts International
- Tom Baltimore – CEO of Park Hotels & Resorts
- Leslie Hale – CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust
- Bob Chapek – Former CEO of Walt Disney Co. (hospitality & resorts)
- John Fitzpatrick – CEO of Fitzpatrick Hotel Group
- Mit Shah – CEO of Noble Investment Group
- Katherine Lugar – CEO of American Hotel & Lodging Association
- Laurence Geller – CEO of Geller Capital Partners
- Ken Greene – Former CEO of Radisson Hotel Group Americas
- Tyler Morse – CEO of MCR Hotels
- Adam Harris – CEO of Cloudbeds
- Justin Knight – CEO of Apple Hospitality REIT
- Colin Reed – CEO of Ryman Hospitality
- Greg Juceam – CEO of Extended Stay America
- Chris Green – CEO of Chesapeake Hospitality
- Dan Hansen – Former CEO of Summit Hotel Properties
- David Pepper – Chief Development Officer at Choice Hotels
- Jim Alderman – Former CEO of Radisson Americas
- Ken Cruse – CEO of Soul Community Planet
- Neil Shah – President of Hersha Hospitality
- Elie W. Maalouf – Former Americas CEO of IHG
- John Russell – Former CEO of Red Lion Hotels
- Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson – CFO & Group Head, IHG
- Bruce Haase – CEO of WoodSpring Suites
- George Limbert – CEO of Red Roof Inn
- Kelly Poling – CEO of Xenia Hotels & Resorts
- Tyra Hilliard – Hospitality legal expert and speaker
- Julie Arrowsmith – CEO of G6 Hospitality (Motel 6, Studio 6)
- Bob Alter – Chairman of Seaview Investors
- Phil Cordell – Global Head of Hilton Lifestyle Brands
- Janis Cannon – SVP at Choice Hotels
- Heather McCrory – CEO of Accor North & Central America
- Michael George – CEO of Crescent Hotels
- John Belden – CEO of Davidson Hospitality
- Sloan Dean – CEO of Remington Hospitality
- Robert Rauch – CEO of RAR Hospitality
- James Merkel – CEO of Rockbridge
- John Zillmer – CEO of Aramark (serving food in hospitality)
- Andy Ingraham – CEO of NABHOOD
- Dawn Sweeney – Former CEO of the National Restaurant Association
From burgers to beds, the world’s Top 100 franchise speakers represent the minds influencing the global industry—offering hard-won perspectives on growth, innovation, leadership, and resilience. Whether on stage or in the boardroom, futurist experts continue to influence the future of franchising worldwide.
