Twice named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Chef José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, humanitarian, educator, and Emmy-winning television personality.

Born and raised in Spain, Andrés is credited with popularizing the tapas concept in America with his first restaurant, Jaleo, and currently operates nearly 40 restaurants—including the 2 Michelin-starred Minibar—as the executive chairman of José Andrés Group. He has championed Spanish culture and gastronomy in popular culture with multiple hit TV programs and a line of gourmet consumer products.

In 2010, Andrés formed World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. From Ukraine to Gaza to Haiti, across the United States and beyond, WCK’s team of “food first responders” has partnered with local chefs and restaurants to serve nearly 600 million nourishing meals around the world.

In 2023, Andrés founded the Global Food Institute at George Washington University in Washington, DC, with the intent of generating cutting-edge research to create and improve domestic and global food policies, incubating innovative new technologies and solutions to address food access, and inspiring the next generation of food systems leaders. 

Andrés’ work has earned awards and distinctions including “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation, the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals, and the 2015 National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama. Andrés was also named Washington Business Journal’s CEO of the Year in 2020 for his leadership and impact on the global business community and was awarded the Princesa de Asturias Foundation’s 2021 Concordia Prize for his humanitarian work.