We’re delighted to announce Wahaca CEO Gemma Glasson as our second VIP Co-Chair for the Peach 20/20 Leaders Summit.

Gemma is one of those operators who brings together the things that increasingly matter in hospitality: commercial rigour, strategic clarity, a strong sense of culture - and the energy to get things done.

Her route into hospitality wasn’t conventional. She began her career in corporate finance at KPMG and EY, before joining Wahaca in 2018 and moving through a succession of commercial and operational roles before stepping up to CEO earlier this year.

It gives her a rare perspective: she understands the numbers and the investment case, but she has also spent years deep inside the reality of running, rebuilding and growing a restaurant business.

And the timing couldn’t be better.

In July, Wahaca was acquired by Luke Johnson’s Risk Capital Partners, bringing fresh backing for the next phase of expansion after several years of transformation and renewed growth. The business now operates 14 restaurants and is actively looking at new locations in London and major regional cities.

As co-chair, her job isn't simply to chair the conversation. She will be the voice of the boardroom operator - testing the argument, challenging assumptions and constantly bringing the discussion back to what it means for the audience of 300 invited hospitality leaders and investors - all making big decisions on the frontline every day. 

See you on 18 November.