WEST CHESTER, PA — Strategic Solution Partners (SSP), a hospitality-focused consulting firm, has officially appointed Jacqueline Villamil as Chief Executive Officer and sole owner following the retirement of founder Bill Scanlon. The leadership transition marks a new chapter for the company while maintaining its established direction and values.
Villamil, who joined SSP in 2008 and became Chief Operating Officer five years ago, completed the purchase of Scanlon’s ownership stake on May 16. Her move to the helm was years in the making, beginning with an open conversation in 2020 that set the stage for a deliberate and transparent succession process.
“As you can imagine, there were moments of doubt and fear,” Villamil said of her decision to step into the CEO role. “I spent many sleepless nights pondering the decision. I realized that I am surrounded by the best team at SSP, that I have also surrounded myself with great mentors and allies who support and encourage me, and that everything I have done in my career was designed to get me here.”
Villamil emphasized continuity and evolution over disruption. While she plans to introduce a more collaborative leadership style, she affirmed that SSP’s foundational culture and mission will remain intact. “The company that Bill and I created does not need to change, only evolve,” she said.
Under her leadership, SSP intends to reinforce its commitment to results-driven service while enhancing internal culture and client engagement. Villamil pointed to the company’s resilience during the pandemic as a testament to its adaptability. “We were the only taskforce provider that remained open, supporting the few clients who still needed us,” she said, highlighting key initiatives like launching the Industry Expert Consulting division and reinvigorating team morale through cultural investments.
Looking ahead, Villamil aims to strengthen SSP’s position in the industry without chasing scale for its own sake. “Our goal has always been to be the best, not the largest, and that will not change,” she said.
The leadership shift signals a continued commitment to excellence while setting the stage for strategic evolution under Villamil’s direction.
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