About Keith
Keith Wiedenkeller is an expert faculty member at the Best Practice Institute, known for his deep expertise in leadership, diversity, employee engagement, and organizational development.
Who is Keith Wiedenkeller?
Keith Wiedenkeller is an expert faculty member at the Best Practice Institute (BPI), specializing in actionable strategies for leadership, diversity, engagement, and organizational development. With a career spanning over three decades, he has applied his diverse experience, from executive leadership in human resources to international theatrical production, to cultivate impactful workplace cultures.
He is recognized for integrating comprehensive HR strategies with broader organizational objectives, focusing on how people-centric approaches drive business performance. His work emphasizes fostering environments where all employees can thrive, reflecting the principles of a Most Loved Workplace®.
Quick facts about Keith Wiedenkeller
| Role | Expert Faculty member |
| Company | Best Practice Institute |
| Expertise | Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Engagement, Organizational Development, Workplace Culture |
| Notable for | Senior Vice President of Human Resources at AMC Theatres, advocacy for business-driven disability hiring, theater background |
| BPI affiliation | Expert Faculty member |
What is Keith Wiedenkeller known for?
- HR Leadership at AMC Theatres: Served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at AMC Entertainment Inc., overseeing all facets of HR, including recruitment, diversity, training, and organizational development.
- Pioneering Disability Inclusion: Instrumental in developing and implementing disability hiring strategies, emphasizing the economic benefits of such programs for companies.
- Organizational Development Initiatives: Led the creation of various associate programs at AMC, such as theatre staff health plans, standardized performance management systems, an internal Diversity Council, and an online learning management system.
- Workplace Recognition: His efforts at AMC contributed to the company receiving multiple "Best Places to Work" awards, recognition as "Best Large Employer" from the Missouri Governor's Council on Disability, and a "Best Companies to Work For" award from Ingram's magazine.
- Theatrical Background: Over three decades of experience in theater as a performer, consultant, and technical professional, providing a unique perspective on collaboration and communication.
What is Keith Wiedenkeller's background and experience?
Keith Wiedenkeller’s career journey reflects a blend of artistic and corporate leadership. An alumnus of the University of Kansas theater programs, he spent over 30 years in various capacities within the theater world, performing, consulting, and creating productions internationally and at institutions like the Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts.
Transitioning into the corporate sector, Wiedenkeller applied his skills to human resources leadership. At AMC Entertainment Inc., he rose to become Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer. In this role, he was responsible for diverse HR functions, from recruitment and diversity to training, organizational development, compensation, and employee relations. His mandate included developing and implementing programs that enhanced employee experience and organizational effectiveness.
Under his leadership, AMC received significant accolades for its workplace environment and employee programs, demonstrating his ability to translate strategic HR initiatives into tangible organizational success. His holistic approach to human resources, informed by his extensive theater background, emphasizes engagement, communication, and inclusive practices.
What topics does Keith Wiedenkeller speak and write about?
Keith Wiedenkeller focuses on key areas critical to modern organizational success: leadership, diversity, employee engagement, and building robust workplace cultures. He frequently addresses the strategic importance of human resources in driving business outcomes, extending beyond traditional HR functions to encompass broader organizational development.
His insights include the value of diversity and inclusion, particularly in advocating for business-driven disability hiring. Wiedenkeller highlights how such initiatives are not just philanthropic but provide clear economic benefits and contribute to stronger, more innovative workplaces. He also speaks on the nuances of talent management, emphasizing methodologies for identifying, developing, and retaining high-performing individuals, essential for creating enduring company cultures.
How does Keith Wiedenkeller contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
As an expert faculty member at the Best Practice Institute, Keith Wiedenkeller brings his wealth of experience to BPI's global network of HR and leadership professionals. He supports BPI's mission to identify and disseminate best practices in leadership, talent management, and organizational development.
His expertise aligns with the core tenets of the Most Loved Workplace® movement, which focuses on creating environments where employees feel respected, appreciated, and inspired. Wiedenkeller's insights on diversity, engagement, and culture help organizations apply the SPARK Model, enhancing trust, respect, and belonging to foster highly effective and loved workplaces.
Where can you learn more from Keith Wiedenkeller?
Professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of leadership, diversity, and organizational development can access Keith Wiedenkeller’s insights through the Best Practice Institute. His BPI faculty profile and contributions offer resources for those looking to implement advanced HR strategies and cultivate thriving workplace environments.