Ottolenghi appoints CEO as it gears up to celebrate 20 years
Foa brings with him over two decade’s worth of experience in high-end consumer brands having previously held senior roles at fashion brands Rapha and Burberry.
Chef and cookery writer Yotam Ottolenghi will soon celebrate his group’s 20 year journey from a small shop on a Notting Hill side street to a global brand.
The group operates five Ottolenghi cafés in London alongside higher spend one-offs Nopi and Rovi and an external catering business but its influence has spread far wider due to the phenomenal popularity of its founder’s cookbooks both in the UK and overseas.
“We are so pleased to have Emilio on board. He represents everything that we hold dear to the brand: perfectionism, deep respect for brand values and for food, wide—ranging strategic view and meticulous execution,” Ottolenghi says.
“Myself and the other founders, Noam Bar and Cornelia Staeubli, will be supporting him in his role to bring respectful, measured growth to a brand that we love so much.”
Foa describes Ottolenghi as an amazing brand with clear positioning and a strong culture.
“I’m passionate about food and I’ve been an Ottolenghi enthusiast for more than 15 years, since I moved to London - I’m obsessed with quality and customer satisfaction, so this is a dream come true.”
“It is also a big responsibility as I’m the first external exec taking the CEO role and I look forward to partnering very closely with Yotam, Noam and Cornelia on the next stage of the journey.”
