Father-Son Leaders of Sykes Enterprises to Speak at UT Oct. 10

John H. Sykes, entrepreneur and philanthropist, and his son Charles “Chuck” Sykes, president and CEO of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, will stop by The University of Tampa Wednesday, Oct. 10, to tell the story of Sykes Enterprises, one of Tampa’s largest publically traded companies. The event begins with breakfast and networking at 7:30 a.m., followed by the presentation. It will be held in the Vaughn Center Crescent Club.

John H. Sykes began his entrepreneurial endeavors in 1977, founding Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated in his hometown of Charlotte, NC. Under Sykes’ leadership, the company grew into one of the largest customer service support companies in the world. The company went public in 1996 and has since expanded to more than 41,000 employees in offices located in 23 countries. Sykes retired from Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated in 2004, going on to invest in several businesses in the financial services and thoroughbred horse industries.

Charles “Chuck” Sykes was appointed president and CEO of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated in 2004. He joined the company in 1986, working his way through the ranks, from administrative roles while in school to junior sales representative, middle-management roles and later general manager of the Americas, chief operating officer and finally his current role.

While both John and Chuck Sykes have had successful business careers, they are also active in the Tampa Bay community. Both are members of the University’s Board of Trustees, and the Sykes College of Business and Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values at UT are named in John Sykes’ honor.

The event, part of the Entrepreneurship Center in the Sykes College of Business’ Main Street Speaker Series, is sponsored by NorthStar Bank. Tickets are free for UT students, faculty and staff with a reservation; $15 for individuals; $100 for a table of eight (four seats go to sponsor a student); and a corporate sponsorship is $500.

For more information, go to www.ut.edu/entrepreneurcenter/mainstreetspeakerseries/, or contact Lindsey Smith, coordinator of centers and institutes, at lesmith@ut.edu or (813) 257-3782. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 3.