From 1963 to 1999, Beta Gamma Sigma presented the National Honoree Award to individuals who furthered the ideals of the society through outstanding business and managerial leadership. Since 2000, the society has presented an International Honoree Award. This year, the BGS Board of Governors is pleased to announce the selection of Aylwin B. Lewis as the 2017 International Honoree.
Aylwin B. Lewis currently serves as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Potbelly Sandwich Works (Chicago, IL), a publicly traded, fast casual restaurant chain with over 400 locations in North America, the UK and the UAE. Serving in this role since 2008, Lewis previously acted as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sears Holding Corporation. Lewis also previously acted as the Chief Executive Officer of Kmart, successfully leading the organization through its acquisition by Sears Holdings in 2005. Prior to 2005, Lewis held a variety of leadership positions with YUM! Brands, Inc., a franchisor and licensor of multiple quick service restaurants, including KFC, Taco Bell and A&W. These roles include Chief Multi-Branding and Operating Officer and Chief Operating Officer of both YUM! Brands, Inc. and one of its affiliated brands, Pizza Hut.
Lewis currently serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations, including The Walt Disney Company, World Business Chicago and Marriott International, Inc. Lewis is an alum of the University of Houston, where he received dual bachelor degrees in hotel and restaurant management and English literature, as well as his MBA.
Beta Gamma Sigma proudly bestows the 2017 International Honoree Award upon this outstanding individual.