Tawanda Starms
Tawanda Starms joined Din Tai Fung North America (DTF) in 2024 as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, where she leads the People & Culture department with a strategic mandate to drive business performance by elevating the team member experience. In her role, she oversees the full spectrum of people operations—including talent acquisition and retention, total rewards strategy, […]
Myisha Smith
Myisha’s experience spans over 25 years in the dynamic landscape of the restaurant industry, I am proud to serve as the Corporate Director of Training at Pacifica Hotels for the past two years. Throughout her career, she has cultivated a passion for elevating guest services and fostering strong team-member relations. In her previous role within […]
Lauren Selman
Lauren Selman is the Vice President of Operations at the International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA), a nonprofit trade association focused on networking and education of the global food and beverage industry. With over a decade of experience in event planning, public relations, and member relations, Lauren oversees the education and events within the […]
Liz Seelye
Liz Seelye is a go-for-broke globetrotter and brand wayfinder who creates and activates brands big (Stanley 1913, Starbucks, Cinnabon, Chick-fil-A) and small (The Post, Pancho & Lefty’s, Legacy Pie Co., Bonfire Burrito), including a few of her own (StarryEyed Strategy, Independent Power, Strongwater, Starryside). Liz started her career at Vail Resorts and Yum! Brands where […]
Olivia Ross
Olivia Ross is an accomplished marketing professional who’s led profitable growth for billon dollar QSR brands through marketing innovation, digital transformation, integrated strategy, and brand positioning. Olivia’s work has led her to be recognized by QSR Magazine’s Digital Disruptors, QSR Magazine’s Young Leaders to Watch, Brand Innovators 40 under 40, and Adweek’s Rising Marketers. Olivia […]
Toni Ronayne
Ronayne joined Perkins American Food Co. in 2024 as the Brand President and led Perkins through a brand transformation from Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to Perkins American Food Co., which included a new brand message, new restaurant prototypes, and a new name. Perkins has nearly 300 locations in the United States and Canada, and Ronayne […]
Ashley Robinson
Ashley Robinson is the Chief Strategist and Founder of Business Strategy firm, The Seaker Group, where she created a business out of Strategic Growth Planning for Brick and Mortar businesses. With over two decades of experience in real estate, retail, restaurants and data, Ashley now leverages her background by partnering with Capital Groups and executives […]
Nichole Robillard
Nichole joined Red Lobster in the fall of 2024, as the iconic restaurant brand was beginning a new chapter in its story, and on the heels of its recent acquisition. As part of the new leadership team, her charge is simple: to cultivate the greatest restaurant comeback of all time. She is now on a […]
Rachel Richal
Rachel Richal is the Vice President of Restaurant Experience and Training for Buffalo Wild Wings, part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 32,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide. In her role, she leads the strategy of […]
Anne Pritz
An innovative and hands-on executive leader with over 20 years of brand marketing experience across publicly and privately held companies, as well as private equity-backed organizations. As Chief Marketing Officer at Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, Anne is a transformative force in the restaurant industry, driving brand growth, strategic expansion, and marketing innovation. Recognized on […]