Lars Kristiansen is a dynamic leader with 25 years of experience driving profitability, operational excellence, and transformation across multimillion dollar Food & Beverage (F&B), hospitality, and culinary industries. He has proven expertise in scaling large-volume food production operations, implementing innovative strategies, and optimizing resources to exceed financial and operational targets.

Lars has an extensive background in managing complex, multi-geography environments, including maritime operations (corporate and shipboard), multi property hotels, and global recreational destinations. Skilled at leading large, matrixed organizations, driving cultural change, and aligning cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional results. Adept at developing and executing large-scale restructuring initiatives, optimizing infrastructure, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Lars’s experience includes food and beverage and procurement for Carnival Australia during the 2008 U.S. recession, strategically preserved $30M in bottom-line food and beverage profit despite a decline in sales.

Post merger and acquisition as the Vice President of food, beverage, strategic sourcing and procurement, he led the rapid expansion of Hornblower Cruises and Events from 19 assets in 7 U.S. markets to 157 assets in 19 markets across 3 countries within 5 years. Successfully integrated food and beverage systems, processes, and standards, positioning the smaller merging entity as a cohesive contributor to the larger organization’s operational framework. Delivered scalability and consistency while navigating the complexities of a multi-national merger.

He directed the successful reopening of 17 Great Wolf Resorts within a year following an 80-day COVID-19 shutdown, achieving organic F&B revenue growth from $154M in 2019 to $180M in 2021, despite capacity restrictions. Lars played a key role in the design, layout, and programming of six new resorts, contributing to the launch of 72 new food service outlets and enhancing customer experiences across all properties.

At Oasis Experiences as the Vice President, Food and Beverage he directed the development and implementation of innovative food, beverage and retail concepts, operational technologies, and service systems for food and beverage outlets, resorts, RV Parks and campgrounds.

Lars has a Bachelor of Science in food and beverage management from Norwegian College, a Master of Science in international management from the University of Liverpool. He has also studied and attained certifications from Ecole Hotelier de Lausanne, The Norwegian Culinary Academy, and Cornell University. Additionally, Lars is a Certified Executive Chef and a Certified Culinary Administrator by the American Culinary Federation.