Biography
David McInerney brings 3 decades of experience unlocking value creation and profitable growth for consumer and retail businesses as a CEO, Founder and Board director in the food retailing and restaurant industries. Most recently, David was the co-founder, CEO and a board member of FreshDirect, the nation's leading online grocer which he sold to Ahold Delhaize and Centerbridge Partners in 2021. He currently serves on the board of directors for the New York Common Pantry, whose mission is to reduce hunger and promote dignity, and the board of advisors of Lekka Burger, a plant based burger restaurant concept. David is a recognized expert, advisor and speaker on a broad range of topics including the digital transformation of the food industry, food sourcing, driving company culture, and entrepreneurship. In 2000, drawn to the mission to revolutionize the brick-and-mortar supermarket model, David joined the founding team at FreshDirect, which delivered its first order in June 2001 and today employs 3,000+ team members across 7 states and delivers hundreds of thousands of orders a month. Over the past 20 years, David led many of the core business functions including operations, buying and merchandising, culminating in being named CEO in 2018. As CEO, David implemented an aggressive plan to streamline the business, focusing on the core mission of making great food easy to get. Through a 5 pillar strategy that emphasized simplicity, transparency, and empowerment, coupled with a sophisticated incentive program, the team achieved record levels of revenue growth, net promoter scores, and consumer retention. In 2021, David led the sale of FreshDirect to Ahold Delhaize, parent company of grocers such as Stop & Shop and Food Lion, and one of the world’s largest food retailers, and Centerbridge Partners, a leading private equity firm. He remains an advisor to the company through the end of the year. Beginning in 2008 and for more than a decade, David served as Fresh Direct’s “Chief Food Adventurer”, traveling the world to source the best-tasting, freshest, and highest-quality foods. He and his team devoted all of their time learning about, investigating, exploring, and, of course, tasting fresh food. Through his food sourcing travels David developed deep relationships with food producers: the best of the best farmers, fishermen, ranchers and CPG leaders. This solidified FreshDirects position as the best online grocery retailer in the world, with an unrivaled fresh supply chain that pulled the highest quality product from the best growers, fishermen, and ranchers in the world. By starting with the highest quality products, FreshDirect was then able to leverage state of the art manufacturing and distribution facilities to offer customers fresher food, direct from the farm. David started his career as a chef alongside top restaurateurs, including the late Bernard Loiseau in Burgundy, and David Bouley in New York City. He attended the Culinary Institute of America. He lives with his wife and their two sons in Harlem, New York., and Bellport, Long Island. He is an avid fisherman, skier and cook.
Speech Topics
Farm to Fork
Changing the Way We Eat – As Co-Founder and CEO of FreshDirect, David McInerney’s mission for 20 years was making great fresh food easy to get. David brought the skills he learned as a French trained chef and married them with local and global farmers, ranchers, and fisherman, bringing higher quality fresh food to millions. With a rare view across the entire sustainable food ecosystem, and building a technological infrastructure enabling digital shopping and delivery services, David shares stories from his pioneering journey creating the largest online grocer in the US.
Leading Through Turbulence
Upon his elevation to CEO, David McInerney took over a company fraught with angry customers complaining of broken eggs, missing items, and spoiled fruit. At the root of the problem was a brand new 400,000 square foot distribution center with an automated system that was creating confusion resulting in canceled orders, missing items, and delayed deliveries. David refocused the company on customer service, the freshest ingredients, and employee empowerment, and was able to overcome the many logistical challenges that the company faced. On the brink of becoming a failed start-up, David’s clear and concise vision led FreshDirect into a dominant food provider, and ultimately led to the recent acquisition. David shares his principles of leadership and outlines the key elements to navigating turbulence successfully.
Trust & Transparency Starts from Within
Empowering a Team – As CEO, David’s focus was having every employee committed to the freshness and quality their customers would demand. Empowering thousands of FreshDirect employees to make decisions with quality in mind showed the trust the company had in the entire workforce. With transparent ratings on thousands of products online, customers could feel safe about their decisions. David shares how he created a culture around an idea, which through a shared goal, gave both employees and customers a bond with the business.
The North Star of Business
Differentiation – At the core of FreshDirect’s business model has been a steadfast dedication to quality and freshness. Maintaining that focus for over 20 years spurred consistent growth including local market domination, in the face of harsh competition from already established retail leaders. David shares the story of how that mentality shaped the success of Fresh Direct. Hear how finding the distinct elements that separate your business from your competition, and deploying resources towards that specialty will become your north star.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check David McInerney's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about David McInerney's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is David McInerney's speaking fee?
The typical range for David McInerney's speaking fee is $19,000–$20,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for David McInerney to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book David McInerney for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm David McInerney's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book David McInerney through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
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Ram Charan
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