Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier has appointed global hospitality leader Markus Schreyer as CEO of the newly created Vanderbilt Enterprises, a strategic initiative designed to advance mission-aligned ventures that generate sustainable new revenue streams and support strategic priorities. Schreyer will begin his role on June 1, 2025. An initial focus will be on enhancing Vanderbilt Athletics resources, support for student-athletes and the fan experience.
“Vanderbilt is committed to bold ideas and innovative approaches,” Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. “Under the leadership of Candice Storey Lee, Vanderbilt Athletics has made tremendous progress. The creation of Vanderbilt Enterprises and hiring of Markus is a strategic investment to accelerate that progress and ensure sustained success at a time when the entire college athletics landscape is shifting. This initiative is built on Vanderbilt’s unique strengths and culture of collaboration and will activate our resources to further our mission and impact.”
Schreyer will work closely with Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee and her team to explore new approaches that generate new financial resources to support Vanderbilt Athletics and the university’s broader ambitions. This work reflects Vanderbilt’s bold vision for the future of college athletics and will draw on a range of industry best practices, including from professional sports organizations and hospitality, and adapt them for the university setting.
“This is another exciting moment for Vanderbilt and our high aspirations, including in Athletics where we are committed to cementing our position as leaders in this new landscape,” Lee said. “Radical collaboration defines Vanderbilt’s unique approach to winning and success, and I’m thrilled to welcome Markus as a partner in this work. His expertise will help us pursue new creative and bold opportunities that support our student-athletes, our fans and the entire Vanderbilt community.”
The scope of Vanderbilt Enterprises will expand to include new ventures and partnerships that unlock the potential of the university’s resources—such as campus facilities, services and merchandising—in ways that support the academic mission and position the university for long-term growth.
“I’m honored to join Vanderbilt at such a pivotal time,” Schreyer said. “The opportunity to build something new—grounded in mission, guided by innovation, and focused on creating meaningful value for the university—is a challenge I’m deeply energized by. I look forward to working with athletics and across the university to help bring bold ideas to life.”
Schreyer brings more than 25 years of global experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in brand development, innovation, and experience design across 40 countries and 20 luxury brands. His recent leadership roles include serving as chief development officer and managing director at Proper Hospitality and as senior vice president for the Americas and global business innovation at Design Hotels Inc., a Marriott International brand. In addition to his industry accomplishments, he has served as an adjunct instructor at New York University’s School of Professional Studies and is a former faculty member at Parsons School of Design. He earned a Ph.D. in hospitality innovation strategy from the University of Dresden and an MBA in change management and finance from IOM Frankfurt, and has completed executive education at INSEAD and the University of Hawai‘i.
