José Andrés Group (JAG) has announced key leadership appointments amid domestic and international expansion.
The hospitality and media company has named Sam Bakhshandehpour—who joined the group as president and board member in 2020—its new CEO. Bakhshandehpour will work closely with Ron Parker, president and COO, as well as Nestor Nova, CFO, in running daily operations.
José Andrés will continue to serve as JAG’s founder and executive chairman, leading culinary innovation across its global restaurants and producing books, television, and content through José Andrés Media.
“Sam understands the power of restaurants to transport us, for food to be the language of connection, and how we can be a part of communities in a meaningful way, all over the world,” says Andrés.
Additional leadership changes at José Andrés Group
Longstanding JAG culinary leaders chef Rick Billings and chef Carles Tejedor will now serve as chief culinary officer and chief creative officer, respectively.
Newly joining the board of directors are Justin Heyman, managing director at RockCreek, and Carlota Andrés, senior associate of partnerships at food tech startup Wonder.
“José’s vision of food as an agent of change has had an undeniable impact globally,” says Bakhshandehpour. “Staying true to our higher purpose is crucial at this inflection point in our growth trajectory, which is what unites our talented team and attracts like-minded partners.”
Projects in the pipeline
With almost 40 restaurant concepts across the country and internationally, José Andrés Group began 2024 unveiling significant expansion in key markets with prominent strategic partnerships brokered by JAG business development partner, Cultivate Hospitality.
Recently, JAG announced its first development project with Hyatt Hotels, spearheading F&B at the Andaz Miami Beach. JAG also revealed plans to partner on its first luxury waterfront residential development project, Olara Residences in West Palm Beach.
This summer will yield the first in a series of openings with Simon Property Group—starting with Bazaar Mar and Bar Centro at the Shops at Crystals on the Las Vegas Strip, later at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, and then at Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto.
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