Escoffier has created the role of Vice President of Talent & Culture to focus more on recruiting and culture for the growing Institution, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. It has roped in former executive of Pearson Online Learning Services, Rich Ahrens as vice president of Talent and Culture for Escoffier and Triumph Higher Education Group.

“Strategic human resources is about more than managing traditional logistics,” said Escoffier and Triumph Higher Education Group’s CEO Tracy Lorenz. “It’s about creating a positive work environment and helping us live our core values each and every day. So, adding “culture” in Rich’s title reflects the importance we are placing on creating a work culture aligned with the values we continue to build at Escoffier,” added Lorenz.

Ahrens has more than 30 years of professional experience in the human resources and online education sectors, most recently as Human Resources Business Partnership and Talent Acquisition for Pearson Online Learning Services and prior to that with UOP, A Honeywell Company and Verizon Wireless. 

The online and campus-based culinary educator has grown from approximately 85 to more than 300 employees in the past three years while increasing their online student body, externship placements, alumni network and curriculum options for students. As it looks forward towards more growth, it needs more strategic leadership in recruiting, developing, and retaining our best talent. And Lorenz counts on Ahren’s experience and talent for leading them. 

In the current times of the COVID-19 crisis, Ahrens has a new set of challenges to address as well. Considering a shift in demand for more online learning solutions this might be a time opportunity for Escoffier. How the company navigates through these tough times and how Ahren accelerates the growth journey of the company with strategic people strategy is to look forward to.