Restaurant Associates Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Restaurant Associates has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and market expansion.

Driven by a commitment to exceptional hospitality, Restaurant Associates delivers premier on-site dining management across corporate, cultural, and educational sectors, shaping memorable guest experiences.

Leadership Roles at Restaurant Associates

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lisa Lake
  • Chief Financial Officer - Sarah Calhoun
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Andrew Williams
  • Chief Operating Officer - Anthony Buccieri
  • President - Eduardo Benitez
  • President, Managed Services - James Russo
  • Team Captain - Mohamed Ibrahim
  • Lisa Lake - Chief Executive Officer

    Lisa Lake, the Chief Executive Officer at Restaurant Associates, directs the overall strategic vision and operational framework for the company's extensive on-site dining management services. Overseeing all facets of the business, Lake ensures alignment with Compass Group's broader objectives while driving growth across metro New York City, Washington DC, Boston, and Atlanta. This leadership role involves cultivating key client relationships and championing the company's commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality. By focusing on innovation in service delivery and operational efficiency, Lisa Lake solidifies Restaurant Associates' market position as a premier provider in the food service industry. The Chief Executive Officer's guidance ensures consistent quality and a superior guest experience in every venue managed by the organization.

    Sarah Calhoun - Chief Financial Officer

    Sarah Calhoun, the Chief Financial Officer at Restaurant Associates, manages the comprehensive financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the organization. Calhoun oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal discipline across all service areas in metro New York City, Washington DC, Boston, and Atlanta. This position is vital for maintaining profitability and supporting the company's growth initiatives within the competitive on-site dining management sector. By implementing sound financial controls and identifying key investment opportunities, Sarah Calhoun directly contributes to the sustained success and expansion of Restaurant Associates. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise ensures financial stability and supports strategic decision-making across the enterprise.
    Sarah Calhoun

    Andrew Williams - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Andrew Williams, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Restaurant Associates, provides overarching financial leadership and strategic direction within the broader Compass Group structure. Williams ensures that the financial strategies of Restaurant Associates align with group-level objectives, focusing on maximizing financial performance and resource allocation across its operational regions. This executive role involves rigorous financial oversight, driving fiscal accountability, and identifying opportunities for synergistic financial planning. By leveraging group-wide financial insights, Andrew Williams enhances the economic viability and strategic positioning of Restaurant Associates in the competitive hospitality market. The Group Chief Financial Officer's influence supports long-term financial sustainability and growth.

    Anthony Buccieri - Chief Operating Officer

    Anthony Buccieri, the Chief Operating Officer at Restaurant Associates, executes the day-to-day operational strategies that underpin the company's extensive hospitality services. Buccieri manages the complex logistics of on-site dining across diverse client locations, including corporate workplaces, cultural centers, and educational institutions throughout key metropolitan areas. This critical role involves optimizing service delivery, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards, and driving operational efficiencies that enhance profitability. By focusing on seamless execution and client satisfaction, Anthony Buccieri directly impacts the company's reputation and its ability to secure and retain high-profile contracts. The Chief Operating Officer's oversight guarantees that Restaurant Associates consistently delivers exceptional dining experiences tailored to each unique environment.

    Eduardo Benitez - President

    Eduardo Benitez, the President at Restaurant Associates, spearheads the company's strategic initiatives and overall business development. Benitez drives the expansion of hospitality services across key markets, focusing on cultivating new partnerships and strengthening existing client relationships. This leadership position involves setting the strategic direction for service innovation and operational excellence, ensuring Restaurant Associates remains at the forefront of the on-site dining management industry. By championing a culture of exceptional service and operational efficiency, Eduardo Benitez directly influences the company's market penetration and revenue growth. The President's vision guides the organization toward achieving its ambitious goals and enhancing its industry leadership.

    James Russo - President, Managed Services

    James Russo, the President, Managed Services at Restaurant Associates, directs the strategic execution and operational delivery of comprehensive managed dining solutions. Russo oversees the integration and performance of managed service contracts, ensuring seamless hospitality experiences for clients in corporate, cultural, and educational settings. This role is critical for optimizing service quality, driving client satisfaction, and expanding the managed services portfolio across Restaurant Associates' operational geographies. By focusing on operational excellence and client-centric solutions, James Russo directly enhances the company's reputation and market share in specialized dining management. The President, Managed Services' leadership ensures consistent delivery of high-caliber hospitality.
    James Russo

    Mohamed Ibrahim - Team Captain

    Mohamed Ibrahim, the Team Captain at Restaurant Associates, leads and motivates on-site service teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Ibrahim ensures efficient workflow and high standards of service delivery within specific operational units, fostering a collaborative and productive team environment. This role is crucial for maintaining the quality and consistency of hospitality services provided to clients across various venues. By directly supervising and guiding team members, Mohamed Ibrahim plays a key part in upholding Restaurant Associates' commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. The Team Captain's dedication ensures that daily operations meet the company's rigorous standards.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Restaurant Associates Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Restaurant Associates?
    Restaurant Associates is led by Lisa Lake (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sarah Calhoun (Chief Financial Officer) and Andrew Williams (Group Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Restaurant Associates’s executive team?
    The executive team of Restaurant Associates includes leaders such as Lisa Lake (Chief Executive Officer), Sarah Calhoun (Chief Financial Officer), Andrew Williams (Group Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Restaurant Associates have?
    Restaurant Associates has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Restaurant Associates’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Restaurant Associates includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.