CAVA Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

CAVA has 6 executives leading key functions including information technology, marketing, legal, operations, and associate legal counsel.

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

Leadership Roles at CAVA

  • Chief Information Officer - Elizabeth McCormick
  • Chief Marketing Officer - John Ludeke
  • 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 At CAVA - Amit Patel
  • Elizabeth McCormick - Chief Information Officer

    Elizabeth McCormick, the Chief Information Officer at CAVA, directs the digital infrastructure supporting the restaurant chain. McCormick architects the online and mobile ordering platforms that enable seamless customer interactions across the United States. By integrating these digital tools with restaurant operations, the Chief Information Officer ensures efficient service delivery while maintaining the high standards of customization inherent to the brand. Elizabeth McCormick oversees the data systems that track inventory and ingredient sourcing, providing transparency for diners. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to scale technology solutions that support both restaurant locations and retail channel expansion. Through the implementation of robust software, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency and enhances the overall guest experience. McCormick secures the digital ecosystem against threats, ensuring that every transaction remains secure and reliable for the growing customer base.

    John Ludeke - Chief Marketing Officer

    John Ludeke, the Chief Marketing Officer at CAVA, manages the brand identity and consumer engagement strategies for the Mediterranean restaurant chain. Ludeke drives the expansion of the company into retail channels, promoting dips, spreads, and dressings through strategic grocery store partnerships. By crafting campaigns that highlight the freshness and quality of ingredients, the Chief Marketing Officer connects the brand with consumers in diverse contexts. John Ludeke oversees the marketing initiatives that bridge the gap between restaurant dining and home cooking, ensuring consistent messaging across all touchpoints. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to refine the culinary philosophy presented to the public. Through targeted outreach and brand positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer supports revenue growth and strengthens the market presence of the company. Ludeke executes long-term strategies that foster customer loyalty and broaden the reach of the Mediterranean flavor profile.
    John Ludeke
    Joseph Kadow, the Chief Legal Officer at CAVA, governs the regulatory compliance and corporate governance frameworks for the restaurant chain. Kadow architects the legal strategies necessary for navigating the complexities of the food service industry and retail expansion. By overseeing contract negotiations with suppliers and grocery partners, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company maintains high standards of transparency and quality. Joseph Kadow manages the legal risks associated with rapid growth and digital platform integration, providing guidance to the executive team on operational matters. This leadership role involves protecting the intellectual property and brand assets that define the Mediterranean dining experience. Through proactive legal oversight, the Chief Legal Officer supports the sustainable development of the business. Kadow directs the legal department to resolve disputes and ensure adherence to all federal and state regulations governing restaurant operations and retail product distribution.

    Doug Thompson - Chief Operations Officer

    Doug Thompson, the Chief Operations Officer at CAVA, manages the daily execution of restaurant services and supply chain logistics across the United States. Thompson directs the operational workflows that allow guests to build personalized bowls and plates from high-quality ingredients. By optimizing the kitchen processes and staff training, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the brand delivers a consistent and efficient dining experience. Doug Thompson oversees the integration of digital orders into the physical restaurant environment, balancing speed with the customization that defines the company. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional managers to maintain operational excellence and food safety standards. Through the implementation of streamlined procedures, the Chief Operations Officer drives productivity and supports the overall growth of the restaurant chain. Thompson executes strategies that enhance the operational capacity of the business while maintaining the integrity of the Mediterranean culinary traditions.
    Eva Seif, the Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer at CAVA, supports the legal department in managing corporate compliance and risk mitigation. Seif architects the internal policies that govern restaurant operations and employee relations, ensuring alignment with company standards. By assisting the Chief Legal Officer with complex litigation and regulatory filings, the Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer maintains the integrity of the business model. Eva Seif oversees the legal aspects of the digital infrastructure, ensuring that data privacy and consumer protection laws are upheld during online transactions. This leadership role involves providing counsel on the expansion of retail channels and grocery partnerships. Through meticulous review of operational contracts, the Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer drives the legal stability of the organization. Seif executes strategies that minimize liability while fostering an environment of transparency and accountability across all corporate functions.
    Amit Patel, the Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer At CAVA, manages the legal frameworks surrounding the company's real estate and physical expansion efforts. Patel directs the negotiation of lease agreements and site development contracts, ensuring that new restaurant locations align with the strategic growth plan. By overseeing the legal requirements for property acquisition and facility management, the Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer At CAVA supports the physical footprint of the brand. Amit Patel collaborates with the operations team to address zoning and land-use regulations that impact the restaurant chain. This leadership role involves managing the legal complexities of the supply chain, specifically focusing on the sourcing of high-quality ingredients. Through the development of robust legal protocols, the Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer At CAVA drives the expansion of the company's market presence while mitigating potential real estate risks.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CAVA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CAVA?
    CAVA is led by Elizabeth McCormick (Chief Information Officer), along with executives such as John Ludeke (Chief Marketing Officer) and Joseph Kadow (Chief Legal Officer).
    Who is part of CAVA’s executive team?
    The executive team of CAVA includes leaders such as Elizabeth McCormick (Chief Information Officer), John Ludeke (Chief Marketing Officer), Joseph Kadow (Chief Legal 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 Chief Information Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer.