Thank you for Subscribing to Food Business Review Weekly Brief
Food Business Review: Awards Ranking
Food Business Review proudly presents the Top 10 Culinary Directors - 2026, recognizing leaders who are strengthening supply chain performance through strategic planning and operational excellence. These professionals oversee integrated supply networks that align sourcing activities with business objectives while supporting reliable product availability. Their leadership helps organizations improve operational efficiency and respond to changing market conditions, enabling businesses to build resilient supply chains while sustaining long-term growth across the food industry.
Top 10 Culinary Directors - 2026
Culinary Director, Tacombi
Hilda Ysusi is the Culinary Director at Tacombi, with experience in restaurant operations, menu innovation and multi-unit culinary leadership. She specializes in building scalable culinary programs, developing high-performing teams and delivering operational excellence.
Director of Culinary and Corporate Chef, Acxion Foodservice
Trey Preston has over 20 years of experience across foodservice, hospitality and culinary operations. At Acxion Foodservice, he leads culinary strategy, helping operators translate market trends into practical, profitable menu solutions.
Culinary Director, Beyond Meat [NASDAQ: BYND]
Diana Stavaridis is Director of Culinary at Beyond Meat, where she leads culinary innovation and strategy for the plant-based protein company. A chef whose career spans LA's Grace Restaurant and BLD, Paris kitchens, and the River Cottage in England, she also founded Manhattan House and Chef D Consulting before joining Beyond Meat in 2020.
Director, Culinary, US Foods [NYSE: USFD]
Scott McCurdy is Director of Culinary at US Foods, where he leads a team of chefs and consultants helping foodservice operators create smarter, more profitable menus. Since joining in 2005, he has drawn on his earlier work as an executive chef in high-end restaurants and hotels to guide independent restaurants and other segments.
Sr. Director of Culinary and Corporate Chef, Papa Johns [NASDAQ: PZZA]
Tom Smith is VP of Culinary at PopUp Bagels, where he leads culinary strategy for the growing bagel brand. With 20-plus years in foodservice, he previously served as Senior Director of Culinary and Corporate Chef, and earlier held R&D and corporate chef roles at Checkers & Rally's Drive-In Restaurants.
Director of Culinary, Conagra Brands [NYSE: CAG]
Andrew Johnson is Director of Culinary at Conagra Brands, where he leads culinary design and product innovation across the company's brands. With more than 20 years at the company, he brings deep expertise in recipe development, culinary strategy, and turning food trends into market-ready products.
Director, Culinary & Operations Excellence - International & Franchise, Darden [NYSE: DRI]
A. Pacosta is a global culinary and operations executive with 25+ years leading multi-brand, international restaurant portfolios. He leads menu strategy, culinary innovation, and operational systems, helping iconic brands expand internationally while protecting brand integrity and improving unit economics. His work spans R&D, kitchen design, supply chain, and franchise partnerships.
Director of Culinary, Kerry Group [LON: KYGA]
John Pelfrey is Culinary Director at Kerry, where he supports the food production industry with expertise in savory flavors, menu development, and cooking. An experienced culinary professional with a strong operations background, he is skilled in HACCP, flavor innovation, and bringing products from concept to market.
Mark Slutzky, McCain Foods
Mark Slutsky is Director of Culinary at McCain Foods North America, where he leads culinary strategy and innovation for the food company. A Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, he brings deep expertise in product development, menu innovation, and translating food trends into market-ready solutions.
