WSB EXCLUSIVE SPEAKER
Chef, Restaurateur, Humanitarian
A creative culinary innovator and exemplary business leader, José Andrés inspires people across the globe with his dynamic vision and diverse projects aimed at making the world a better place through the power of food.
One of TIME magazine’s most influential people in the world, José Andrés has captured the zeitgeist of a nation: not only as one of the most popular chefs in America, but with his dynamic personality and diverse projects aimed at making the world a better place.
Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” in both 2012 and 2018 and recipient of the 2015 National Humanities Medal, José Andrés is an internationally-recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, humanitarian, and chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup.
A pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States, he is also known for his groundbreaking avant-garde cuisine and his award-winning group of nearly three dozen restaurants located throughout the country and beyond. ThinkFoodGroup’s concepts include the two Michelin-starred minibar by José Andrés in Washington, DC and the two Michelin-starred Somni in Beverly Hills, the acclaimed NYC food hall Mercado Little Spain, and multiple locations of the Bazaar by José Andrés. José has received the James Beard Foundation’s “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” awards.
Andrés is a committed advocate of food and hunger issues and is known for championing the role of chefs in the national debate on food policy. In 2010, Andrés formed World Central Kitchen, a non-profit specializing in delivering food relief in the wake of natural and humanitarian disasters. Since serving nearly 4 million meals to the people of Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, World Central Kitchen has responded to dozens of disasters worldwide and distributing tens of millions of meals in the process. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has partnered with restaurants, small farms, and community leaders around the country to combat food insecurity. A naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Spain, Andrés has been a tireless advocate for immigration reform and on July 4, 2014 was named by President Barack Obama as that year’s “Outstanding American by Choice.”
With a mission to change the world through the power of food, José Andrés has dedicated himself to not just feeding the few at his award-winning restaurants, but to feeding the many as well. Alongside his non-profit organization World Central Kitchen, Andrés works to find smart solutions to hunger and poverty around the world, focusing on health, education, and jobs. Beginning with his experience volunteering in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, Andrés realized that food can be used to empower communities and strengthen economies. In an uplifting and inspirational presentation, Andrés shares stories and images from his travels, including the work he has done in promoting clean cookstove technology, improving kitchens in urban and rural schools, and launching culinary projects to create jobs and increase opportunities for families in Haiti and around the world.
Described by The Wall Street Journal as “a force of nature, the Energizer Bunny, the Tasmanian Devil, and Luke Skywalker,” José Andrés is not your typical chef. The owner of an international company with 31 locations, 1,200 employees, and $150 million in annual revenue—and a sought-after TV icon, political activist, and Harvard professor—Andrés’ secret to success is being so passionate that he has no problem rolling up his sleeves and doing the heavy lifting himself. In a presentation full of edge-of-your-seat anecdotes, Andrés proves that a culture of innovation and creativity not only leads to personal and organizational success, but also a better tomorrow for all.
A creative visionary whose passion fueled the growth of some of the country’s most successful and trendsetting restaurants, José Andrés’ innovation and drive has propelled his business to phenomenal success in the U.S. and around the globe. In this candid presentation, Andrés shares with audiences his remarkable American success story, describing what it takes to make your vision a reality and foster a culture of creativity and innovation. Audiences will learn:
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