1to1 Media recently released its 2014 Customer Champions report. This is how it defines customer champion:

“Behind every successful enterprise-wide customer strategy is an individual who tirelessly evangelizes the customer cause, who reminds employees that customers are the business, who understands how to transform loyalty into profit, and whose efforts both command attention and garner real results. I am a Customer Champion.”

“Since its inception in 2004, the 1to1 Media Customer Champions has grown into a one-of-a-kind awards program that honors and spotlights individuals responsible for game-changing customer-focused strategies — a truly unique event that honors the leaders who create innovative change in their organizations. The awards program now includes a group of more than 130 distinguished leaders representing household name brands. From sweeping voice-of-the-customer initiatives and data analysis strategies to employee engagement and omnichannel initiatives, this year’s winners are the creative disruptors in their firm who play a critical role in advancing their organizations’ customer strategies.”

These are the 2014 RETAILING winners:

• Anna DiGregorio, Marketing Director at Marketplace Philadelphia Management, “implemented training programs and gamification features to streamline services at Philadelphia International Airport.”

• Mike Lester, president of The Melting Pot, “inspires employees to pursue the ‘Perfect Night Out’ standard by serving customers on an individualized level in any capacity possible.”

• Jim McCann, 1-800-Flowers.com’s CEO, “commits to conversations with satisfied and dissatisfied customers.”

• Gregg Tilston, global social media leader at Flight Centre Travel Group, “empowers employees with the social playbook and creative freedom necessary to exceed consumer expectations and cultivate true fans.”

• John Wompey, vice-president of operations at Foot Locker, “uses voice of the customer data to uncover truths that drive company-wide innovation and employee success.”

Click the image to access 1to1 Media’s full report, with profiles of each winner (including non-retailers).