Charlotte Business Journal - 2021 Most Admired CEO
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LIONEL LEADER HOWARD HITCHCOCK
NAMED ONE
OF CHARLOTTE’S MOST ADMIRED CEOS
CONCORD, N.C., Nov. 19, 2021 –
Howard Hitchcock, the CEO of Lionel, LLC, has been named one of the “Most Admired
CEOs” in the Charlotte area by the Charlotte Business Journal.
The award recognizes established local leaders who have a strong
vision for their companies, have shown commitment to culture in the workplace
and have made significant contributions to the Charlotte community.
Nominations were open to the public and came from members of the business
community and within the honorees’ organizations.
“I’m honored to have been
recognized among such an accomplished group of business leaders,” Hitchcock
said. “It’s a privilege to lead the great team members we have at Lionel and
share in the responsibility of shepherding what’s become an iconic brand.”
As CEO of Lionel, Hitchcock directs both the model train and racing
die-cast divisions of the business. His guidance has led the 121-year-old
company down new tracks, while still preserving the wonder and tradition of the
beloved Lionel brand.
Lionel added Disney to its licensing portfolio under Hitchcock’s direction
and also successfully expanded its partnership with Warner Brothers. Lionel
Racing, the company’s die-cast division, was named a mass retail partner of
NASCAR® in 2016. In 2018, Hitchcock’s vision led to the opening of the flagship
Lionel retail location in Concord Mills.
Hitchcock is also a leader in innovation. Under his guidance, the
company launched its LionChief® Bluetooth® App, a platform which gives model
train enthusiasts the ability to control their own trains via an iOS device
– an industry first.
Lionel employees appreciate Hitchcock’s collaborative approach to work
culture, which is evidenced by his willingness to pitch in on any project.
During the holiday season, for example, team members may see Hitchcock driving
a warehouse forklift in the morning to make sure shipments get out the door and
then leading an executive meeting in the conference room that same afternoon.
Service in the community where he lives and works is also part of
Hitchcock’s DNA. For several years, he served with the Charlotte chapter of
Autism Speaks and he is currently on the board of The Home Again Foundation – a
local organization which works to provide affordable, sustainable housing for
the homeless.
Hitchcock
and his fellow honorees will receive their awards during a Nov. 18 event at the
JW Marriott Charlotte and will be featured in the Nov. 26 Charlotte Business
Journal special edition.