AVI Foodsystems Appoints Henry Howard as Chief Creative & Strategy Officer
By Andrew Greene, Hospitality News
AVI Foodsystems, the nation’s largest independently owned and operated foodservice company, has announced the appointment of Henry Howard as its new Chief Creative & Strategy Officer. Based in Warren, Ohio, AVI is a family‑owned organization known for its entrepreneurial spirit, strong culture, and deep commitment to hospitality. The company serves clients across the United States in business & industry dining, higher education, healthcare, leisure venues, and one of the fastest‑growing micro‑market portfolios in the country. Henry joins AVI following a distinguished 25‑year career with Chartwells Higher Education, where he became one of the most influential voices in campus dining, brand strategy, and marketing innovation. His leadership helped elevate the Chartwells brand, transform student engagement, and build one of the most award‑winning marketing teams in the industry. As someone who has known Henry since our early days at SUNY Old Westbury — where he served as my District Marketing Manager — I’ve watched his evolution with admiration. His professionalism, calm presence, and unwavering respect for every stakeholder, from client partners to dishwashers and culinary leaders, have always set him apart. Henry leads with humanity, clarity, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Reflecting on his Chartwells journey, Henry shared: “Chartwells gave me opportunities I could never have imagined when I began. I’m grateful for the leaders who challenged, supported, and trusted me, and for the teams whose creativity and commitment made every success meaningful. Leadership, at its core, is about people — earning trust, staying curious, and helping others do their best work.”
“Chartwells gave me opportunities I could never have imagined when I began. I’m grateful for the leaders who challenged, supported, and trusted me, and for the teams whose creativity and commitment made every success meaningful. Leadership, at its core, is about people — earning trust, staying curious, and helping others do their best work.”
HENRY HOWARD Chief Creative & Strategy Officer AVI Foodsystems
In his new role, Henry will guide AVI’s enterprise‑wide creative vision, brand evolution, and strategic initiatives across its diverse portfolio — a move that underscores AVI’s commitment to innovation and people‑centered hospitality. On behalf of Hospitality News , congratulations,
Henry! We look forward to covering your continued successes and the next chapter of your extraordinary career."
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