In the ever-evolving world of food and hospitality, leadership today is about more than running a business; it’s about shaping culture, setting benchmarks, and redefining excellence in one of the world’s most competitive industries.
The second edition of The Restaurant Times Global Powerlist 2025 celebrates the most influential C-suite executives driving transformation across the food and hospitality sector in the US.
These are leaders reshaping brands, markets, and business models. The Powerlist, divided into two defining categories—Restaurant Executives and Hotel Executives—recognises individuals whose influence goes beyond the boardroom, those who are redefining consumer expectations, industry practices, and the future of food in the US and beyond.
Restaurant Executives
Chris Kempczinski
Chris Kempczinski has led McDonald’s as President and CEO since 2019, driving a crucial turnaround for one of the world’s largest restaurant chains. Steering the company through accelerated digital transformation and menu innovation, he spearheaded McDonald’s “Accelerating the Arches” strategy, focusing on operational excellence and customer experience. His leadership pushed forward key initiatives like expanded delivery, technology integration, and modernization of thousands of stores amid shifting consumer preferences. Before becoming CEO, Kempczinski headed McDonald’s U.S. business, managing over 14,000 restaurants. His background spans senior roles at P&G, PepsiCo, and Kraft Foods, combining deep consumer insights with operational rigor. Kempczinski’s tenure is marked by growth and resilience in a competitive, fast-evolving QSR market.
Brian Niccol
Brian Niccol was appointed Chairman and CEO of Starbucks on September 9, 2024, marking a new era for the global coffee giant. Before joining Starbucks, Niccol served as CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, leading the company through unprecedented growth. Under his leadership, Chipotle’s revenue nearly doubled, profits increased sevenfold, and its stock price surged by almost 800%. His focus on menu innovation, digital ordering, and international expansion positioned Chipotle as a leader in the fast-casual industry. At Starbucks, Niccol’s leadership philosophy centers on culture, people, and brand relevance, ensuring the brand remains dominant in the evolving coffee industry.
Andrew T Cathy
Andrew T. Cathy is the CEO of Chick-fil-A, Inc., leading one of the largest family-owned restaurant chains in the U.S. He assumed the role in November 2021, succeeding his father, Dan T. Cathy. As only the third CEO in Chick-fil-A’s history, Andrew continues the legacy of his grandfather, S. Truett Cathy, the company’s founder. Before becoming CEO, he oversaw franchisee development and restaurant operations as Executive Vice President of Operations. With a strong leadership and business strategy background, Andrew is committed to expanding Chick-fil-A’s footprint while maintaining its customer-first philosophy and values-driven culture.
David Gibbs
David Gibbs, CEO of Yum! Brands, has been instrumental in steering the company through significant transformations. Having been in the industry for over three decades, Gibbs has held various leadership roles that have contributed to the growth of brands like KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. Under his leadership, Yum! Brands has emphasized digital innovation, achieving over 50% of sales through digital channels and partnering with companies like Nvidia to enhance AI-driven services.
Kirk Tanner
With over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Kirk Tanner has built a reputation for driving innovation and operational excellence. Before joining Wendy’s, he led PepsiCo Beverages North America as CEO, overseeing a $26+ billion business unit. In February 2024, Tanner was appointed President & CEO of Wendy’s, succeeding Todd Penegor. His leadership focuses on expanding Wendy’s footprint, enhancing digital engagement, and strengthening the brand’s market position. As a member of Wendy’s Board of Directors, Tanner brings strategic insight to the company’s evolution in the highly competitive quick-service restaurant industry.
David Hoffman
David Hoffmann is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Before leading Dunkin’ Brands as Director, President, and CEO, he spent 22 years at McDonald’s, where he held leadership roles in global strategy and franchising. Hoffmann joined Dunkin’ in 2016 as President of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., later becoming CEO in 2018, succeeding Nigel Travis. His strategic vision has helped Dunkin’ maintain strong brand loyalty and operational efficiency.
Josh Kobza
Josh Kobza is the CEO of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. He assumed the role in March 2023, after serving as Chief Operating Officer since 2019. Kobza has held several leadership positions at RBI, including Chief Financial Officer (2013-2018) and Chief Technology Officer (2018-2019). His expertise spans strategy, technology, human resources, global procurement, and international development. He played a key role in RBI’s acquisitions of Tim Hortons (2014), Popeyes (2017), and Firehouse Subs (2021).
Lisa Ingram
Lisa Ingram is the President and CEO of White Castle, the iconic fast-food chain known for its slider-style burgers. As the fourth-generation leader of the family-owned business, she has been instrumental in modernizing operations, expanding digital ordering, and enhancing customer experience while preserving the brand’s rich legacy. Under Ingram’s leadership, White Castle has embraced automation, AI-driven kitchen technology, and plant-based menu innovations, ensuring relevance in an evolving market. She also oversees the company’s retail division, which distributes White Castle products to grocery stores nationwide. Beyond business, Ingram is deeply involved in community initiatives, serving on boards such as OhioHealth and MI Homes. Her leadership philosophy centers on innovation, team empowerment, and maintaining White Castle’s quirky, customer-first culture.
Russell Weiner
Russell Weiner is the CEO of Domino’s, the world’s largest pizza company by global retail sales. Appointed in May 2022, he previously served as COO and President, overseeing U.S. operations and global functions across 90+ countries. Weiner joined Domino’s in 2008 as Chief Marketing Officer, leading the brand’s turnaround campaign and digital transformation. Under his leadership, U.S. sales grew from $3 billion to $8 billion, and digital orders rose from 11.5% to over 75%.
Kelli Valade
Kelli Valade took over as CEO of Denny’s Corporation in June 2022, making history as one of the few women leading a major publicly traded restaurant chain. With executive roles at Red Lobster, Black Box Intelligence, and Brinker International, Valade brings a unique mix of data-driven strategy and human-centered leadership. Since joining Denny’s, she has spearheaded initiatives like “Denny’s on Demand”, making late-night dining more accessible while reconnecting with younger audiences. Valade’s leadership is reshaping Denny’s into a future-ready, experience-driven dining brand.
Hotel Executives
Anthony Capuano
Anthony Capuano has led Marriott International as President & CEO since February 2021, overseeing the world’s largest hospitality company with nearly 9,500 properties across 144 countries. Under his leadership, Marriott continues to expand its global footprint and enhance guest experiences, supported by Marriott Bonvoy, the industry’s largest loyalty program with 237 million members. Capuano joined Marriott in 1995, playing a key role in its strategic growth, including the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2016. His expertise in development, design, and operations has shaped Marriott’s success, making him a leading figure in global hospitality.
Mark Hoplamazian
Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation since 2006, has reimagined Hyatt as a leader in experiential hospitality. Rather than focusing solely on luxury, Hoplamazian has emphasized wellness, brand intimacy, and transformational travel, catering to evolving consumer preferences. His strategic acquisitions, including Two Roads Hospitality and Apple Leisure Group, have expanded Hyatt’s portfolio beyond conventional hotels, integrating lifestyle, boutique, and resort brands into its framework. Known for his analytical leadership and mindfulness-driven approach, Hoplamazian’s vision ensures Hyatt properties deliver meaningful experiences that define the modern traveler’s expectations.
Christopher J. Nassetta
Chris Nassetta has reinvented Hilton since becoming its President & CEO in 2007. Under his leadership, Hilton transformed into an asset-light, franchise-driven powerhouse, expanding to over 7,600 properties across 126 countries. Nassetta orchestrated the largest hotel IPO in history, redefining Hilton’s global presence while doubling down on loyalty programs, sustainability, and tech-driven personalization. Despite economic disruptions, he maintained Hilton’s commitment to service excellence, earning accolades such as CEO of the Year by Glassdoor and a spot among Fortune’s top business leaders. His ability to merge efficiency with guest-centric innovation has positioned Hilton as a hospitality industry benchmark.
William J. Hornbuckle
William J. Hornbuckle IV is the CEO and President of MGM Resorts International, a role he officially assumed in July 2020. He has been with MGM since 1998, holding leadership positions including President of Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and Chief Marketing Officer. Hornbuckle played a key role in MGM’s expansion, overseeing developments in Macau, National Harbor, and Springfield. His leadership has focused on digital growth, strategic acquisitions, and international expansion, including MGM’s $9 billion integrated resort project in Osaka, Japan, set to open in 2030.
Larry Cuculic
Larry Cuculic is the President & CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, a role he assumed in December 2021. Leading BWH Hotels, which includes Best Western, SureStay Hotels, and WorldHotels, Cuculic oversees a global portfolio of 18 brands with approximately 4,300 hotels. Before becoming CEO, he served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Best Western, managing legal, governance, and human resources. His leadership focuses on brand expansion, guest loyalty, and strategic partnerships, driving record-high revenue per available room (RevPAR). Cuculic is also an active member of hospitality associations, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Executive Committee.
Craig S. Smith
Appointed CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality in March 2024, Craig S. Smith brings over thirty years of global hospitality leadership to the world’s largest third-party hotel operator. His tenure at Marriott International saw him ascend from general manager roles in Latin America and Asia to Group President, overseeing international operations across 136 countries and managing over 2,500 hotels. At Aimbridge, Smith is channeling this extensive experience to enhance operational efficiency and foster a culture centered around general managers. His strategy emphasizes streamlining processes, leveraging scale, and investing in talent development to deliver superior property performance and value for owners.
Sébastien Bazin
Sébastien Bazin has been the Chairman & CEO of Accor since August 2013, leading one of the world’s largest hospitality groups. Before joining Accor, he was the CEO of Colony Capital Europe, where he oversaw strategic investments in the hotel and leisure industries, including Club Med, Fairmont, and Lucien Barrière. Under his leadership, Accor has expanded its luxury and lifestyle brands, integrating Raffles, Orient Express, and Ennismore into its portfolio. Bazin has also championed digital transformation and sustainability initiatives, strengthening Accor’s position as a global leader in modern hospitality.
Patrick Pacious
Patrick Pacious is the President and CEO of Choice Hotels International, a global lodging franchisor with nearly 7,500 properties across 46 countries. Since joining Choice in 2005, he has led strategic expansions, including the acquisitions of WoodSpring Suites in 2018 and Radisson Hotels Americas in 2022. Under his leadership, the company launched the cloud-based choiceEDGE reservation system and achieved industry-leading franchisee retention. A former U.S. Navy officer, Pacious holds a B.A. from Duke University and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. He also serves on the boards of Valvoline Inc. and the Wolf Trap Foundation.
Geoff Ballotti
Geoff Ballotti is President and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with around 9,100 properties in over 95 countries. He has led the company since its 2018 spin-off, having previously served as CEO of both Wyndham Hotel Group and Wyndham Destinations. Before joining Wyndham, Ballotti held senior roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, including President of North America and Managing Director of Ciga Spa in Italy. He began his career in commercial real estate banking. Ballotti also serves on the Executive Committee of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and is a former U.S. Travel Association Chair.
Elie W. Maalouf
Elie Maalouf is the CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, a role he assumed in July 2023 after leading IHG’s Americas business since 2015. Under his tenure, the region expanded from 3,700 to over 4,350 hotels and delivered record profits. With over three decades in global hospitality, Maalouf brings deep expertise in hotel development, operations, branding, real estate, and F&B. He previously served as CEO of HMSHost and held leadership roles at Weyerhaeuser and McKinsey. A multilingual executive, he holds an MBA from the University of Virginia and a degree in engineering from Virginia Tech. He serves on several travel industry boards.
Closing Note
This edition of The Restaurant Times Global Powerlist 2025 recognises the leaders driving a new era of growth and resilience in the American food and hospitality landscape. With foresight, adaptability, and strategic clarity, they are leading businesses and shaping the industry’s future.
As global dynamics shift and expectations rise, these leaders exemplify what it means to build at scale, lead with intent, and create lasting value in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors.
