Washington, D.C. – After more than three decades of culinary success, José Andrés has announced his decision to step down as the chief executive of José Andrés Group, a company that oversees nearly 40 restaurants worldwide. The renowned chef, known for popularizing Spanish tapas in the United States, has named Sam Bakhshandehpour as the new global chief executive to lead the company into its next phase of expansion.
Andrés, who will continue to serve as the founder and executive chairman of José Andrés Group, expressed his confidence in Bakhshandehpour’s ability to further the company’s mission of using food as a means of connection and community engagement. Alongside the new CEO, the company also announced the promotion of two chefs, Rick Billings and Carles Tejedor, showcasing its commitment to culinary excellence.
The company’s recent changes coincide with an influx of capital from the investment firm RockCreek, aimed at supporting the company’s growth and expansion efforts. The addition of two new directors to the company’s board, Justin Heyman and Carlota Andrés, reflects a strategic move to strengthen the company’s leadership team.
In addition to his culinary ventures, Andrés has dedicated a significant amount of time to World Central Kitchen, a humanitarian aid organization that provides meals to those in need during crises worldwide. Through his work with WCK, Andrés has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times, highlighting his impact beyond the culinary world.
Peers of Andrés, such as chef Richard Brandenburg, have noted that the chef’s true passion lies in his humanitarian efforts through WCK. Brandenburg emphasized Andrés’s commitment to feeding as many people as possible, a mission that aligns closely with the work of World Central Kitchen.
As Andrés transitions into a new role within José Andrés Group, the company’s focus on culinary innovation and community engagement remains at the forefront. With a strong leadership team in place and a continued dedication to making a positive impact through food, the company is poised for continued success and growth in the future.