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Trusted Executive Search Experts in Restaurant, Hospitality & Franchise Industries
Wray Executive Search has established itself as a premier executive search firm specializing in the restaurant, hospitality, food service, and franchise industries. With over five decades of combined experience, our team of seasoned consultants excels at identifying leaders who align with clients' cultural values and strategic visions. Our deep sector knowledge and extensive network of industry professionals enable us to connect organizations with executives capable of driving growth and operational excellence.

We prioritize long-term placements, leveraging our expertise to deliver tailored solutions for both emerging and established brands. Our commitment to diversity and a one-year candidate replacement guarantee underscore our dedication to client success. Through decades of specialization, we have become trusted partners for leading companies seeking leadership talent in high-pressure, customer-centric environments.
Services
Executive Search Leadership Recruitment Franchise Talent Acquisition Hospitality Executive Search Food Service Recruitment
Highlights and features
  • We specialize in executive search for restaurant, hospitality, and franchise industries with 50 years of expertise.
  • Our team has direct access to passive candidates in high-demand sectors.
  • We guarantee long-term placements with a one-year candidate replacement policy.
  • Our consultants include former industry executives with hands-on operational experience.
  • We serve leading global brands and emerging franchise concepts with tailored solutions.
What people say
Instrumental in career success Best executive recruiter in the business Delivered top-tier talent Deep industry knowledge Trusted long-term partner
Services
Executive Search
Wray Executive Search specializes in identifying top-tier executives for the restaurant, hospitality, and franchise industries. Our process combines deep sector knowledge with a personalized approach to match leaders with organizations. We focus on cultural alignment, strategic vision, and operational excellence to ensure long-term placements that drive business success.
Franchise Talent Acquisition
We recruit leaders for franchise systems, from CEOs to regional directors, with expertise in multi-unit operations and brand expansion. Our candidates bring strategic vision and hands-on experience to drive growth. We serve both emerging franchise concepts and established national brands with tailored executive solutions.
Hospitality Executive Search
Our hospitality recruitment focuses on placing executives who excel in customer-centric environments, including hotels, resorts, and service operations. We understand the unique demands of hospitality leadership and identify candidates with proven track records. Our placements enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency for clients.
Food Service Recruitment
We specialize in executive recruitment for food service companies, including QSR, full-service restaurants, and food innovation roles. Our candidates bring expertise in menu development, supply chain management, and operational scaling. We help organizations build leadership teams that adapt to industry trends and drive profitability.
Leadership Recruitment
Our leadership recruitment services target C-suite and senior roles requiring strategic decision-making and industry expertise. We focus on roles like CEO, COO, and CMO across multiple sectors. Our process ensures candidates align with organizational goals and deliver measurable business outcomes through effective leadership.
People
Bob Gershberg
CEO & Managing Partner
Bob Gershberg leads Wray Executive Search with decades of experience in executive recruitment for the restaurant and hospitality industries. He specializes in identifying leaders who drive brand growth and operational excellence. His expertise spans CEO placements and strategic leadership development for global clients.
Kevin Stockslager
EVP & Partner
Kevin Stockslager brings extensive executive search experience in franchise and multi-unit restaurant operations. He focuses on placing leaders who excel in scaling businesses and driving profitability. His background includes advising private equity firms on leadership transitions in the food service sector.
Rebecca Patt
SVP & Partner
Rebecca Patt specializes in executive recruitment for hospitality and food service organizations, with a focus on operational leadership and brand development. She has placed executives in roles ranging from regional directors to C-suite positions. Her approach emphasizes cultural fit and long-term organizational success.
Ray Kelley
SVP & Partner
Ray Kelley leads searches for franchise development and operations executives, leveraging his deep industry network to identify top talent. He works with clients on leadership strategies for multi-brand and multi-unit growth. His expertise includes executive compensation structures and performance metrics.
Monica de la Nuez
Vice President
Monica de la Nuez focuses on mid-level to senior executive placements in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. She specializes in connecting emerging brands with leaders who drive innovation and operational efficiency. Her work emphasizes diversity in leadership and long-term candidate development.
Questions
What industries does Wray Executive Search specialize in?
We focus on restaurant, hospitality, food service, and franchise sectors, with expertise in placing leaders across QSR, casual dining, and multi-unit operations.
How does Wray Executive Search find qualified candidates?
Our extensive network includes passive candidates and industry leaders, allowing us to identify executives with strategic vision and operational excellence.
What guarantees does Wray Executive Search offer?
We provide a one-year replacement guarantee for all placements to ensure long-term client satisfaction and candidate performance.
Can Wray Executive Search help emerging franchise brands?
Yes, we partner with both emerging concepts and established brands to build leadership teams that drive growth and innovation.
What sets Wray Executive Search apart from competitors?
Our consultants combine decades of industry experience with a personalized approach, focusing on cultural alignment and long-term success.