CAVA Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

CAVA has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, legal compliance, restaurant operations, team leadership, and associate legal oversight.

Focused on delivering fresh Mediterranean cuisine, CAVA prioritizes high-quality ingredients and digital accessibility to redefine the fast-casual dining experience for consumers across the United States.

Leadership Roles at CAVA

  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Brett Schulman
  • Chief Legal Officer - Joseph Kadow
  • Chief Operations Officer - Doug Thompson
  • Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer - Eva Seif
  • Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer - Amit Patel
  • Team Captain - Abdo Sayed
  • Brett Schulman - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Brett Schulman, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at CAVA, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth trajectory for the organization. By scaling the Mediterranean fast-casual model across the United States, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the brand maintains its commitment to fresh, customizable dining experiences. Schulman oversees the integration of digital infrastructure with physical restaurant operations to optimize customer engagement and service efficiency. This leadership role involves managing relationships with the Board and aligning executive teams with the core mission of transparency in food sourcing. Through the expansion of retail channels and grocery partnerships, the Chief Executive Officer broadens the market reach of the company's signature dips and spreads. Brett Schulman drives the operational excellence required to sustain rapid growth while preserving the culinary traditions that define the brand in a competitive hospitality landscape.
    Brett Schulman
    Joseph Kadow, the Chief Legal Officer at CAVA, manages all corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management frameworks for the restaurant chain. Overseeing the legal architecture of the company, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that expansion into new retail channels and grocery partnerships adheres to strict industry standards. Kadow directs the legal strategy regarding intellectual property and contractual obligations, protecting the brand's unique Mediterranean culinary identity. This role involves close collaboration with the executive team to navigate the complexities of operating a fast-casual business across diverse regional markets. By mitigating legal exposure, Joseph Kadow secures the stability necessary for the company to innovate its digital ordering platforms and physical footprint. The Chief Legal Officer maintains the integrity of corporate policies, ensuring that every business decision aligns with the overarching mission of providing high-quality, transparent dining experiences to customers nationwide.

    Doug Thompson - Chief Operations Officer

    Doug Thompson, the Chief Operations Officer at CAVA, executes the daily management of the restaurant chain's extensive network of locations across the United States. Overseeing the supply chain and kitchen workflows, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that every bowl and plate meets the high-quality standards expected by guests. Thompson directs the implementation of digital and mobile ordering platforms, integrating these tools into the physical restaurant environment to enhance speed and accuracy. This leadership role involves optimizing labor efficiency and inventory management to support the company's fast-casual business model. By monitoring operational performance metrics, Doug Thompson drives continuous improvement in service delivery and customer satisfaction. The Chief Operations Officer coordinates with regional managers to maintain consistency in food preparation and safety protocols, ensuring that the brand's Mediterranean flavor profile remains accessible and fresh at every single touchpoint.
    Eva Seif, the Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer at CAVA, supports the legal department by focusing on the specific regulatory requirements of the company's retail expansion. Overseeing the legal documentation for grocery store partnerships, the Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer ensures that the brand's dips and spreads meet all food safety and labeling standards. Seif directs the review of commercial contracts and vendor agreements, facilitating the company's ability to reach consumers in new home-cooking contexts. This role involves working alongside the Chief Legal Officer to address complex legal challenges related to the brand's growth across the United States. By providing specialized legal guidance, Eva Seif enables the business to scale its retail presence without compromising the integrity of the Mediterranean flavor profile. The Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer maintains rigorous oversight of compliance initiatives, protecting the company's reputation and operational interests.
    Amit Patel, the Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer at CAVA, manages the legal aspects of the company's digital infrastructure and technology integration. Overseeing the data privacy and cybersecurity frameworks, the Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer ensures that online and mobile ordering platforms remain secure and compliant with evolving digital regulations. Patel directs the legal strategy for software licensing and platform development, supporting the company's goal of seamless customer engagement. This role involves collaborating with the technology and operations teams to mitigate risks associated with digital transactions and customer data management. By providing expert legal counsel on technological initiatives, Amit Patel enables the company to innovate its service delivery models effectively. The Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer maintains a focus on protecting the brand's digital assets, ensuring that all technological advancements align with the company's commitment to transparency and quality.

    Abdo Sayed - Team Captain

    Abdo Sayed, the Team Captain at CAVA, directs the front-line execution of the company's Mediterranean dining philosophy within the restaurant environment. Overseeing the daily interactions between staff and guests, the Team Captain ensures that the customization process remains efficient and welcoming. Sayed manages the training of personnel to uphold the brand's standards for ingredient transparency and food preparation. This role involves coordinating with restaurant management to maintain high service levels during peak hours, directly impacting the customer experience. By fostering a culture of excellence, Abdo Sayed supports the company's mission to provide fresh, high-quality meals to every visitor. The Team Captain monitors the flow of digital orders, ensuring that pickup and delivery requests receive the same attention to detail as in-person dining. Through hands-on leadership, the Team Captain drives the operational success of the restaurant floor.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CAVA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CAVA?
    CAVA is led by Brett Schulman (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joseph Kadow (Chief Legal Officer) and Doug Thompson (Chief Operations Officer).
    Who is part of CAVA’s executive team?
    The executive team of CAVA includes leaders such as Brett Schulman (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Joseph Kadow (Chief Legal Officer), Doug Thompson (Chief Operations Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CAVA have?
    CAVA has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CAVA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CAVA includes roles such as Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer, Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer.