Getting it done: rebuilding Wahaca for profitable, sustainable growth
31 Mar 2026
HT360 Hospitality Leaders Forum
Leadership
,
CEO/ CFO
,
Foodservice
,
Interview
,
CMO
Gemma Glasson was brought into Wahaca from KPMG, to “get sh** done”. In this fireside chat, she shares how bringing consultancy discipline into a fast-moving hospitality environment helped sharpen the brand’s strategy, streamline operations, and refocus on sustainable growth.
From keeping Wahaca fresh after 18 years, to driving a truly people-centric culture, to embedding sustainability at the heart of the brand, Gemma reflects on the leadership lessons learned while rising to MD. Expect a practical conversation about resilience, clarity of purpose and what it really takes to rebuild momentum and lead with both commercial rigour and values in today’s hospitality market.
