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Graziadio School Presents 2008-09 Dean's Executive Leadership Speakers
Each year the Dean's Executive Leadership Series (DELS) brings leading business practitioners and thought leaders to the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University. The 2009-08 lineup is underway, with presentations by business visionaries from companies ranging from Robeks Juice to General Motors.
"We are extraordinarily pleased with the quality and diversity of speakers for this year's Dean's Executive Leadership Series," says Linda A. Livingstone, dean of the Graziadio School. "The speakers represent some of the top companies in the world in their industries and bring a wealth of leadership expertise to the series."
The next lecture will feature Ann Winblad, cofounder and managing director of Hummer Winblad Partners, who will speak November 13 at the Silicon Valley Center in Santa Clara. Winblad will share insights from more than 30 years in the software industry as a successful software entrepreneur, strategy advisor, technical author, and venture capitalist.
Ann Weiser
On November 18, Malibu's Drescher Graduate Campus will host Ann Weiser, chief human resources officer for Activision Blizzard, Inc. Weiser’s presentation will include an overview of the electronic gaming industry, information about Activision Blizzard, and a fascinating look at how two large companies within an industry can successfully merge.
The series continues into the New Year with Julia A. Stewart at the Drescher Graduate Campus on January 20. Stewart is a 35-year veteran of the food service industry, currently serving as chair and CEO of DineEquity, Inc., which operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP brands.
On March 10 the Pepperdine campus in Irvine will host Sheri Miksa, also a stalwart of the food service and hospitality industries with over 25 years of experience. Most recently she served as CEO, president, and director of Robeks Corporation and, prior to that, CEO, president, and director of Rubio's Restaurants, Inc.
Priscilla Stewart-Jones, senior vice president of human resources for McKesson Corporation, U.S. Pharmaceutical Group, will speak at the Silicon Valley Center in Santa Clara on April 7. Stewart-Jones has more than 20 years of human resources management experience with Fortune 100 companies in numerous industries including consumer packaged goods, hospitality, and banking.
The 2008-09 Dean's Executive Leadership Series will conclude at the Drescher Graduate Campus on May 12 with the insights of Elizabeth A. Lowery, chief environmental officer for General Motors. Lowery is responsible for GM's environmental, energy, and safety policies worldwide.
Listen to podcasts of past DELS speakers or subscribe to receive podcasts of this year's speakers as soon as they are available.
