DALLAS— MPI recently hired Rachel Benedick as chief revenue officer and executive vice president of the MPI Foundation. In her role, Benedick will be accountable for driving MPI’s top-line revenue growth while leading the strategic and operational direction of MPI’s sales organization, the MPI Academy, and the MPI Foundation.
The CRO search formally began in October 2022 and involved outside recruiters who brought forward more than 100 viable candidates with a strong diversity in backgrounds and experience.
“Rachel provides a story that is inspirational and not uncommon for this industry, having started entry level on both the hotel and DMO side, then climbing the ladder to become a senior executive,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI. “She brings to the chief revenue officer role, and MPI, a high aptitude for strategic guidance, business acumen and people leadership, blended with incredible energy and passion for the business events industry. We’re thrilled to have her as part of our team and excited to see her continue to advance this global community.”
Before joining MPI, Rachel spent the last 25 years with Visit Denver, starting as an executive assistant while getting her master’s degree, and becoming executive vice president of sales and service in 2020, assisting the president with all operational and HR decisions, while also representing the bureau’s private membership base of more than 1,300 businesses.
“The search for this particular role was critical for MPI and gaining Rachel as part of this team is a significant win for the organization and the business events industry in general,” said Cleo Battle, president and CEO of Louisville Tourism and chair of the MPI International Board of Directors. “Rachel brings leadership characteristics that are well-known throughout this tight-knit industry and a willingness and passion that will create growth opportunities across MPI and our global community.”
An MPI member for more than 10 years, Benedick served as the lead on Visit Denver’s partnership efforts. She was the 2022 recipient of the “Sandy Gerety Industry Legacy Award” from the MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter. Additionally, she has served as the Destinations International chair and vice chair of the Sales and Marketing Committee and received numerous recognitions by Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International.
“I am thrilled to join MPI as their chief revenue officer,” Benedick said. “As a legacy organization that has been changing how the world meets for more than 50 years, MPI is a recognized leader in innovation, collaboration and education. I look forward to learning from, and working alongside, the MPI team and their diverse boards, community and volunteers and integrating my experience into the work that this amazing organization is doing to elevate the industry at a global level and individuals at the personal and professional level.”
Benedick received a master’s degree in counseling psychology and counselor education in 2001 from the University of Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1995 from Michigan State University.
When she’s not working, she can be found with her Weimaraner, Rezak, working out and enjoying time in Colorado and with her family and friends.
For more information, please visit mpi.org.
