Ottolenghi appoints first ever CEO

Ottolenghi has appointed Emilio Foa as its first ever group CEO ahead of its upcoming 20-year anniversary. 

Foa brings with him over 20 years of experience at global high-end consumer brands and joins from OKA where he has been CEO for the past four years. 

He previously held senior roles at Rapha and Burberry, where he was part of the leadership team during the brand’s key transformation and growth period.

Founder Yotam Ottolenghi said: “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. 

“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 added: “I’m really excited to join Ottolenghi, an amazing brand with clear positioning and such 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.”