Mary Kennedy Thompson has been named the incoming CEO of BNI, the largest global business network in the world. Thompson, who brings 30 years of successful experience in franchising and global expansion, will take on the role effective July 8th, 2024.
Graham Weihmiller, BNI’s Chairman & CEO, expressed his excitement about Thompson’s appointment, stating, “I’ve known Mary for more than 10 years. She’s such a terrific leader, aligned with BNI’s Core Values, and exceptionally experienced in supporting entrepreneurs and business owners. This is an incredible opportunity for BNI.”
Thompson, previously the Chief Operating Officer at Neighborly®, oversaw the ongoing business operations of the world’s largest home services company. During her tenure, she successfully executed key organizational strategies and played a crucial role in its global expansion.
As the new CEO of BNI, Thompson will lead the organization at a time when it is experiencing tremendous growth. In the past year alone, BNI’s 320,000+ members generated over $23 billion USD in revenue through valuable client referrals, contributing to economic development and job creation globally.
BNI has made significant strides in the past decade, doubling its membership and investing in world-class technology and product innovation. With Weihmiller transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman, Thompson will have the opportunity to build upon BNI’s success and drive transformative opportunities for its members.
Thompson expressed her enthusiasm for joining the BNI team, stating, “I’ve known of BNI for 29 years and have long encouraged business owners to join BNI Chapters for the value it brings. I’m honored to be stepping into the CEO role of this impressive and impactful organization, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together.”
BNI, with over 320,000 member businesses across 76 countries, has played a significant role in helping businesses generate over $190 billion USD in revenue since its inception in 1985. The organization’s philosophy is centered on collaboration and fostering meaningful connections among its members. To learn more about BNI and its chapters, visit www.bni.com.
Mary Kennedy Thompson’s appointment as the new CEO of BNI comes with her extensive experience in franchising and global expansion. With 30 years of successful leadership in these areas, Thompson is well-equipped to lead BNI into the future.
One notable market trend in the business networking industry is the increasing reliance on technology. BNI has recognized this trend and made significant investments in world-class technology and product innovation. These advancements have enabled BNI members to connect and collaborate more efficiently, leading to increased revenue and business growth.
In terms of forecasts, BNI is expected to continue its upward trajectory with Thompson at the helm. The organization has experienced remarkable growth in the past decade, doubling its membership and generating over $23 billion USD in revenue through client referrals. With this strong foundation, BNI is likely to continue expanding its global presence and enhancing its members’ opportunities for success.
However, there are also several key challenges and controversies associated with the subject. One potential challenge is maintaining the quality and value of the client referrals within such a large and diverse network. As BNI continues to grow, it will be essential for the organization to ensure that its members receive valuable and relevant referrals that contribute to their business growth.
Another controversy that may arise is the effectiveness of BNI’s networking model in the age of digital marketing and social media. While face-to-face networking remains valuable, businesses now have a plethora of online platforms to connect with potential clients and partners. BNI will need to adapt and integrate digital strategies to stay relevant and maximize the benefits for its members.
Overall, the appointment of Mary Kennedy Thompson as the new CEO positions BNI for continued growth and success in the dynamic business networking industry.
For more information about BNI and its chapters, visit their official website: BNI.