FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasin will interview Andrés on his unique vision at the intersection of culinary innovation and global humanitarian efforts.
ARLINGTON, VA — FMI – The Food Industry Association is proud to announce that acclaimed chef, humanitarian, and media personality José Andrés will join FMI CEO Leslie G. Sarasin for an inspiring keynote conversation at the 2025 Midwinter Executive Conference. The food retail industry and Chef Andrés are united by a common mission: delivering safe, nutritious food that enriches lives. Each operates on a global stage and has been on the frontline of humanitarian responses. And both cherish the communal joy that comes from sharing a meal.
Andrés’ and Sarasin’s discussion, titled "A Conversation with Chef José Andrés," will explore these shared values, discussing the opportunities, leadership challenges, and perspectives that Chef Andrés brings to feeding families both in the U.S. and around the world.
“José Andrés is a remarkable figure, a renaissance man whose work is equally influential across culinary innovation, humanitarian relief, and global food policy,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. “Restaurateurs, grocers and food manufacturers share a mission to feed families and enrich lives; I look forward to the valuable perspectives that will surface in our conversation as we discuss current challenges, future opportunities and ways to master the momentum in our ever-evolving sector.”
José Andrés: Culinary Visionary and Humanitarian Leader
Twice named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People,” José Andrés is celebrated for his transformative impact on the culinary world and his unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts. As the founder and executive chairman of José Andrés Group, which operates nearly 40 restaurants, Andrés is credited with popularizing Spanish cuisine in the U.S. and advancing food culture through multiple hit TV programs and his media ventures.
In 2010, Andrés founded World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit organization that provides meals in response to humanitarian and climate crises. His team delivered more than 3.6 million meals in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, and has partnered with Ukrainian restaurants and volunteers to serve hundreds of millions of meals during the conflict. In 2023, Andrés established the Global Food Institute at George Washington University to advance research and innovation in food policies and technologies.
For Media:
- This keynote session will be open to members of the trade media in attendance. Please see our Press Credentials for details.
- Details about this session and others at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference are available at FMI.org/Midwinter.
- Headshot for Chef José Andrés.
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