Imagine a scenario where your passion for global cuisine becomes your profession. A whirlwind adventure spanning continents, fueled by tantalizing flavors and cultural immersion. This isn’t a far-fetched dream, but a tangible opportunity presented by Ramada by Wyndham. The hotel chain has launched a unique initiative, seeking its inaugural "Chief Eats Officer" (CEO), a role designed to explore and document the world’s most delectable culinary experiences.
This once-in-a-lifetime position offers a lucky individual the chance to embark on a three-week, five-continent journey, transforming them into a culinary ambassador for Ramada by Wyndham. The "CEO" will be tasked with uncovering hidden gastronomic gems, sampling local delicacies, and sharing their experiences with a global audience through the hotel chain’s blog and social media platforms.
Stephanie Kendrick, Brand Leader and VP of Operations at Ramada by Wyndham, eloquently encapsulates the essence of this initiative. "Food is the key that opens the door to new cultures, which is what Ramada by Wyndham is all about, inspiring travelers while connecting them to new global experiences," she stated. "Our lucky CEO will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in the best Ramada and its many destinations have to offer, all while bringing along a global audience to share in every moment of their life-enriching adventure."
Beyond the sheer excitement of globetrotting and gastronomic exploration, the position comes with significant financial incentives. The chosen CEO will receive a generous $150-per-day stipend to cover meals and incidental expenses while on the road. Furthermore, they will be awarded a $10,000 payment upon completion of the three-week assignment, effectively compensating them for their culinary expertise and content creation. Ramada by Wyndham will also handle all travel logistics, including flights and accommodations, ensuring the CEO experiences the comfort and hospitality of Ramada hotels throughout their journey. As a final perk, the winner will receive a year-long Wyndham Rewards Diamond level membership, unlocking a range of exclusive benefits and privileges within the Wyndham hotel network.
The Application Process: A Recipe for Success
Aspiring culinary adventurers eager to seize this opportunity had a limited window to submit their applications. The deadline for submissions was November 14, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The application process required the creation and submission of a video showcasing the applicant’s passion for food and their suitability for the role.
The video submission guidelines stipulated a minimum length of two minutes, requiring applicants to clearly state their country of residence and articulate why they believe they are the ideal candidate for the CEO position. Creativity and passion were highly encouraged, allowing applicants to showcase their unique personalities and culinary perspectives.
Potential applicants had two options for submitting their videos: through email or via TikTok. Those opting for TikTok submission were instructed to follow @RamadabyWyndham and tag their video with #RamadaCEO and @RamadabyWyndham. Alternatively, applicants could email their videos to makemeceo@ramada.com, ensuring they included their social media handles in the email body.
Eligibility Requirements: Checking All the Boxes
To ensure the selected CEO possessed the necessary skills and qualifications to fulfill the role’s demands, Ramada by Wyndham established a set of eligibility requirements. These requirements served as a preliminary screening process, filtering applicants to identify those best suited for the challenges and responsibilities of the position.
A crucial requirement was proficiency in written and spoken English, enabling the CEO to effectively communicate their experiences and engage with a global audience. Furthermore, applicants were required to be active and proficient users of social media platforms, possessing a public social media profile. This requirement reflected the importance of social media engagement in documenting and sharing the culinary journey.
While an unwavering passion for food was considered a given, other requirements included the ability to travel and work remotely on a deadline for three weeks during the summer of 2023. Applicants were also required to be fully vaccinated, adhering to the vaccination requirements of the countries included in the CEO‘s itinerary. Finally, applicants had to be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid passport, ensuring their ability to travel internationally.
It’s important to note that the competition was open to residents of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This geographical restriction ensured that the selected CEO represented a diverse range of cultural backgrounds and culinary traditions.
The Allure of Culinary Exploration
The search for Ramada by Wyndham’s Chief Eats Officer highlights the growing importance of culinary tourism as a driver of cultural exchange and economic development. Food is no longer simply a means of sustenance, but a powerful tool for connecting people, fostering understanding, and celebrating diversity.
By appointing a CEO to explore and document the world’s culinary landscape, Ramada by Wyndham is positioning itself at the forefront of this trend. The initiative not only promotes the hotel chain’s global presence but also underscores its commitment to providing travelers with authentic and enriching experiences.
The chosen CEO will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse culinary traditions, learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques, and share their discoveries with a global audience. Through their stories and experiences, they will inspire others to explore the world through its food, fostering a greater appreciation for the richness and complexity of human culture.
The role of Chief Eats Officer is more than just a job; it’s a platform for cultural exchange, culinary exploration, and personal growth. It’s an opportunity to transform a passion for food into a meaningful contribution to the global community.
