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David L. Freireich
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VERSATILE SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE &
COLLABORATIVE BUSINESS PARTNER
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  • Counselor, strategist, spokesperson, storyteller, media trainer, coach, mentor, doer.

  • Expertise in external and internal communications; issues and crisis management communications; b2b and b2c marketing communications for Fortune 500 companies, established brands and premier products.

  • Proven track record of leading practical, rational and effective integrated communications programs for a broad spectrum of service-, and growth-oriented organizations in the professional services, hospitality, CPG and retail sectors.

  • Ability to navigate highly-matrixed organizations, provide timely situational analysis, and make sound business decisions to promote a company's brand/mission, protect its reputation, and communicate with key stakeholders.

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

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BrightView Landscapes (NYSE: BV)  (2022-Present)

Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs

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Lead all internal, external, digital, and executive communications strategy, as well as public affairs and community engagement efforts for U.S.’ largest commercial landscaper.

  • Responsible for employee engagement and change management communications; executive messaging; media relations; crisis/issues management; social media strategy; IR, ESG and DEI communications; and community affairs.

  • Collaborate with BrightView’s Executive Leadership Team, other senior leaders, and cross-functional team leads to align corporate positioning and proactive storytelling with larger strategic goals.

  • Partner with Legal Affairs on all aspects of BV’s public affairs programs, including industry relations, lobbying, legislative and regulatory affairs, litigation, and philanthropic programming.

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Consultant, Strategic Communications  (2022)

Retained by select portfolio of clients to develop, design and advise on a wide array of communications strategies, including integrated communications planning, crisis preparedness, media relations toolkits, and process and protocol implementation.

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Aramark (NYSE: ARMK)  (2004-2021)

Vice President, Corporate Communications

Prior: Sr. Director / Director / Sr. Manager / Manager

 

Led strategic public relations and public affairs programming for Aramark’s most prominent business units and corporate projects that promoted, enhanced and protected the brand, informed employees, and drove business objectives.

  • Developed and implemented national/regional communications strategies for Sports & Entertainment, Parks & Recreation, Business Dining, and Facilities divisions, representing over 1,000 client locations and 80,000 employees. 

  • Partnered with senior leaders, cross functional teams, and internal and external clients to devise compelling storytelling that raised brand awareness, drove sales and new business, informed employees, and supported local communities.

  • Elevated Aramark’s profile and crafted its story, while continuously raising the bar for media coverage, executive visibility and stakeholder engagement among consumers, clients, communities, employees, media, activists, and shareholders.

  • Guided the company’s response through watershed moments and mitigated reputational impact against issues and threats.

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Accountability:

  • Business & Marketing Communications/Strategic Planning: Designed communications programs that both generated awareness for new business, industry-leading practices, innovative services solutions, technology advancements, and product launches and supported Corporate and Business Unit business objectives.

  • Media Relations: Cultivated relationships with key writers, reporters and influencers to advance the Aramark story and raise Aramark’s profile across traditional, online and social media. 

  • Crisis/Issues Management: Provided counsel, assessed reputational risks, crafted responses, served as spokesperson and mitigated exposure for issues, such as personnel matters, COVID-19, cyber security, activist campaigns, accidents/injuries, lawsuits/investigations, food safety/product recalls, account closures/layoffs, alcohol compliance, pending legislation, labor disputes, and natural disasters.

  • Internal Communications: Leveraged internal self-publishing platforms to communicate with employees to strengthen organizational culture, reinforce company values, recognize successes, and reiterate business goals.

  • Thought Leadership: Identified, assessed and recommended opportunities to elevate key executives’ visibility and profiles, via bylined articles, exclusive interviews, photo ops, roundtables, conferences, and awards.

  • Cross Functional Communications: Developed effective PR programs and ensured message continuity for DE&I, Community Relations, Sustainability, IT, HR, Government Affairs, Labor Relations, and investor relations.

  • Business Development/Client Relations: Collaborated with Aramark’s Growth team to assist with RFPs and prep for sales presentations, while coaching managers on best ways to package and present company news to clients.

  • Account Management: Supervised and mentored junior staff; Managed third-party vendors and agency budgets.

 

Notable Projects/Successes:

  • Developed and led Aramark's communications strategy for Yosemite National Park – the company’s largest ever new business win; Pope Francis’ US Visit – Aramark served as official retail and food provider; Summer Olympic Games (Athens, Beijing, London) – Aramark managed all dining services inside the Athletes’ Village; and Hurricane Katrina – Aramark’s relief efforts aided 27,000 Gulf Coast evacuees seeking shelter in Houston.

  • Principal communicator for premier sports championships, including 10 MLB World Series, 4 MLB All-Star Games, 3 NHL Winter Classics, 2 Super Bowls and NCAA Final Fours, and 1 FIFA World Cup, plus countless opening days, kickoffs, season openers, playoff games and special events. 

  • Coordinated process that consistently resulted in Aramark being named a FORTUNE World's Most Admired Co.

  • Collaborated with notable tech leaders to debut pilot programs, beta tests and innovative concepts, such as mobile ordering food from your seat using Apple iMessage, using Clear biometrics and Mashgin AI-powered systems to pay for items, and purchasing food from Zippin's cashier-less checkout.

  • Core communications team member for Aramark's IPO on the NYSE (2013).

  • Led communications for new corporate products and acquisitions, like Quick Eats (AI-powered convenience store), Munch Mail (online home delivery) and Good Uncle (app-based food delivery service).

 

PRIOR EXPERIENCE

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the ad*itive  (2003-2004)

Managed public relations programs for American Legacy Foundation’s youth anti-smoking ‘truth’ education campaign and marketing initiatives. 

 

Ketchum Public Relations  (1999-2003)

Managed media relations and coordinated public relations campaigns for premier clients and brands such as Visa U.S.A., Frito-Lay, Tropicana, The Gillette Company, Acura, and Century 21 Real Estate.

 

EDUCATION

 

Syracuse University, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse, NY

B.S. Public Communications (Major: Public Relations; Dual Minor: Business Management and Political Science)

  • Student assistant, Syracuse University Athletic Communications Department

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Aramark Senior Leadership Institute

  • Aramark Leadership Development Program

  • Temple University Introduction to Coding Class

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AWARDS & RECOGNITION

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  • Aramark “Ring of Stars” Service Excellence Award recipient

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ACTIVITIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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  • Completed NYC Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, and Chicago Marathon

  • Volunteer Coach, Upper Dublin Junior Athletic Association

  • Board Member, Jarrettown Elementary School PTO

 

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