Tao Group Hospitality Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tao Group Hospitality has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, culinary development, administration, and corporate governance.

Focused on delivering premium nightlife and dining experiences, Tao Group Hospitality maintains a commitment to operational excellence while expanding a diverse portfolio of global entertainment venues and restaurant establishments.

Leadership Roles at Tao Group Hospitality

  • Chief Executive Officer - Taoreed Lawal
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - Jason Strauss
  • President - Judith Tao
  • Culinary Chief of Staff - Annie Chan
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Operations - Nicole Fee
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Jake Basham
  • Taoreed Lawal - Chief Executive Officer

    Taoreed Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer at Tao Group Hospitality, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire portfolio of restaurant and entertainment venues. Lawal architects long-term growth initiatives while overseeing the expansion of nightlife brands across major international markets. By aligning corporate objectives with evolving consumer trends in the hospitality sector, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent brand performance and financial health. Taoreed Lawal maintains direct oversight of high-level partnerships and capital allocation strategies to sustain market dominance. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of venue performance metrics to optimize profitability across the global footprint. Through rigorous management of executive teams, the Chief Executive Officer drives innovation in guest experiences and service standards. Lawal secures the competitive positioning of the company by fostering a culture of excellence and operational efficiency, ultimately ensuring that every establishment meets the high standards expected within the luxury hospitality industry.

    Jason Strauss - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Jason Strauss, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Tao Group Hospitality, manages the creative development and brand identity of the company's diverse entertainment portfolio. Strauss drives the conceptualization of new nightlife and dining venues, ensuring each location reflects the unique aesthetic and energy synonymous with the brand. By collaborating with design and marketing teams, the Co-Chief Executive Officer shapes the guest experience to maintain high engagement levels across North American and international markets. Jason Strauss monitors market shifts to identify emerging opportunities for venue expansion and brand diversification. This leadership role requires constant interaction with stakeholders to refine the company's market presence and entertainment offerings. Through strategic oversight of brand integrity, Strauss ensures that every nightclub and lounge delivers a premium, cohesive experience. The Co-Chief Executive Officer focuses on scaling the company's footprint while preserving the distinct character that defines the organization's success in the competitive hospitality landscape.

    Judith Tao - President

    Judith Tao, the President at Tao Group Hospitality, directs the execution of the company's overarching business strategy and market expansion efforts. Tao architects the organizational structure to support the rapid growth of the company's restaurant and entertainment portfolio. By overseeing the alignment of departmental goals with the company's mission, the President ensures that all business units contribute to long-term profitability and brand equity. Judith Tao manages high-level stakeholder relationships and drives the implementation of corporate initiatives that enhance the company's competitive position. This leadership role involves evaluating new market opportunities and overseeing the integration of acquired venues into the existing operational framework. Through the strategic management of the company's assets, the President ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to changing industry dynamics. Tao drives the company's commitment to excellence, fostering a culture of high performance that permeates every level of the organization and supports its continued success in the global hospitality sector.

    Annie Chan - Culinary Chief of Staff

    Annie Chan, the Culinary Chief of Staff at Tao Group Hospitality, directs the operational execution of all food and beverage programs across the company's restaurant establishments. Chan architects standardized culinary processes to ensure consistency and quality in every kitchen, regardless of the venue's specific theme or location. By managing the supply chain and vendor relationships, the Culinary Chief of Staff optimizes food costs and maintains high ingredient standards. Annie Chan coordinates with executive chefs to develop seasonal menus that align with the company's luxury dining mission. This leadership role involves overseeing kitchen staff training and safety compliance to uphold rigorous operational standards. Through the implementation of efficient kitchen workflows, the Culinary Chief of Staff supports the company's ability to scale dining operations effectively. Chan drives innovation in menu development, ensuring that the culinary offerings remain at the forefront of the industry while meeting the diverse demands of a global clientele.

    Nicole Fee - Vice President, Chief of Staff - Operations

    Nicole Fee, the Vice President, Chief of Staff - Operations at Tao Group Hospitality, oversees the daily functional efficiency of the company's vast network of entertainment and dining venues. Fee architects operational protocols that streamline communication between venue managers and corporate leadership. By monitoring key performance indicators across regional operations, the Vice President, Chief of Staff - Operations ensures that service delivery remains consistent with the company's high-end brand promise. Nicole Fee manages cross-departmental projects to improve labor productivity and guest satisfaction metrics. This leadership role involves identifying bottlenecks in venue operations and implementing scalable solutions to enhance profitability. Through the coordination of facility management and staffing strategies, the Vice President, Chief of Staff - Operations supports the company's growth in competitive urban markets. Fee drives operational excellence by fostering accountability and precision in every aspect of the guest-facing business, ensuring that the organization maintains its status as a leader in hospitality.

    Jake Basham - Chief Administrative Officer

    Jake Basham, the Chief Administrative Officer at Tao Group Hospitality, directs the internal infrastructure and corporate support functions that enable the company's growth. Basham architects the administrative frameworks, including human resources, legal compliance, and corporate policy, to ensure the organization operates with maximum efficiency. By overseeing the integration of internal systems, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the seamless functioning of all restaurant and entertainment divisions. Jake Basham manages the allocation of administrative resources to align with the company's strategic goals and operational needs. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board and executive team to ensure regulatory adherence and risk management across all jurisdictions. Through the optimization of corporate processes, the Chief Administrative Officer drives organizational stability and supports the scaling of the business. Basham ensures that the administrative backbone of the company remains robust, allowing the operational teams to focus entirely on delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining market leadership.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tao Group Hospitality Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Tao Group Hospitality?
    Tao Group Hospitality is led by Taoreed Lawal (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jason Strauss (Co-Chief Executive Officer) and Judith Tao (President).
    Who is part of Tao Group Hospitality’s executive team?
    The executive team of Tao Group Hospitality includes leaders such as Taoreed Lawal (Chief Executive Officer), Jason Strauss (Co-Chief Executive Officer), Judith Tao (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tao Group Hospitality have?
    Tao Group Hospitality has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Tao Group Hospitality’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Tao Group Hospitality includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Executive Officer, President, Culinary Chief of Staff, Vice President, Chief of Staff - Operations.