Member Since November 2023
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About
Kenneth Svendsen is the chief executive officer at Oasis Marinas, the nation’s leading marina hospitality and management partner. Kenneth brings 30 years of experience across hospitality, recreation and leisure industries to drive transformation and lead Oasis Marinas in its mission of elevating the boater experience through high-end customer-centric experiences. As CEO, Kenneth’s experience in business and corporate development, branding, marketing, operations and mergers and acquisitions have helped scale Oasis Marina’s properties and expand the company’s footprint. Kenneth leads a team of 700+ team members across more than 55 properties, 8,000 slips, hundreds of RV pads across 15 states and caters to over 13,000 boaters, guests and customers annually. His leadership and past C-Suite experience at large global public companies like The Walt Disney Company, Hilton Worldwide and private equity backed models including Entertainment Cruises and Hornblower Cruise Events, will help him drive Oasis Marinas through its next growth and diversification stage and advance its overall portfolio. As the CEO of Entertainment Cruises and president of Hornblower Cruise Events, Kenneth operated three different portfolios, including 157 ships. During his presidency, Kenneth planned, integrated and led what became the world's largest provider of water based dining, sightseeing, private charter and transportation experiences. He oversaw and led the expansion into Europe with the acquisition of the largest GB operator serving 9.8 million guests each year. At Disney, he operated his first “stand alone” P&L which was responsible for the Walt Disney Travel Company in 2000. For the past two years, Kenneth has served as a global executive advisor, coach and board director for multiple nonprofit and social responsibility organizations. In both business and philanthropy, he has a track record of transforming organizations from decentralized domestic legacy businesses to centralized global enterprises with robust shared services of excellence, elevated brand clarity and operational excellence, never compromising on safety, quality and culture and moving companies further on the trajectory of success.
Kenneth Svendsen
Published content
article
May 7, 2024
Hospitality executives are increasingly valuing these soft abilities, and this change is reshaping the industry.
expert panel
Remember that there is light at the end of the journey. There are ups and downs along every business journey, and you won't always see eye to eye with everyone sitting at the table. However, keeping an open mind being willing to take suggestions, and fostering a team dynamic that promotes inclusiveness, giving each team member a voice is a chance to boost team morale and support, especially when the company is facing challenges. Below, 15 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each provide one strategy to help leaders develop a healthy growth mindset that will enable them (and their teams) to embrace challenges and find solutions to their business or client's problems.
expert panel
Modern companies should think beyond traditional philanthropic efforts and find ways to make a real difference for the people they serve. As consumers become more focused on brands that practice corporate social responsibility, more and more companies are finding impactful ways to make a positive mark on their local communities. Forward-thinking businesses are spearheading work programs, offering financial assistance, and nurturing entrepreneurial talents in their neighborhoods. Here, Fast Company Executive Board members discuss the strategies companies can adopt to contribute to their local communities in an impactful way. Follow their recommendations to create a lasting and meaningful change in your community beyond your bottom line.
Company details
Oasis Marinas
Company bio
Oasis Marinas is a leading marina and hospitality and management partner, operating a portfolio of more than 55 properties, 8,000 slips, and hundreds of RV pads across 15 states and caters to over 13,000 guests annually. Oasis Marinas has been reimagining marina operations since 2014. As experts in marina management, facilities management, hospitality, business development, human resources, food and beverage, corporate finance, and marketing, the Oasis team is dedicated to elevating the boater experience through boater and guest-centric high-touch customer experiences. With over 710 in-season team members who understand the challenges boat owners, marina owners, and boaters face every day, customers can expect remarkable adventures from bow to bye. Today, Oasis Marinas is recognized as a 2023 Great Place to Work and is managed by leadership previously overseeing hospitality and customer experience at Disney, Hilton, and more. For more information, please visit oasismarinas.com and follow along on social at @OasisMarinas.