Leadership

José Andrés is the founder of the Global Food Institute at the George Washington University. Born in Spain, where he learned the craft of cooking first from his parents and then in the kitchen of Ferran Adrià’s groundbreaking avant-garde restaurant elBulli – José Andrés immigrated to the United States in 1991, first to New York City and later to Washington, D.C., where he and his partners established a global group of restaurants that has earned countless fans and won numerous awards over the years.

A proud "Washingtonian with an accent" who serves as Chairman Emeritus of DC Central Kitchen, José holds close both his identity as a Spanish immigrant and an American citizen, placing upon himself the responsibility of both culinary ambassador and immigrant representing the two nations. He is a visionary and a humanitarian, establishing World Central Kitchen in 2010 – a first-to-the-frontlines nonprofit organization providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.

José has long been a beloved member of the GW community, launching his famous "World On A Plate" class for undergraduates a decade ago and delivering the University’s 2014 Commencement address on the National Mall, at which he received his honorary doctorate in public service.

He has been widely recognized for both his culinary and his humanitarian work, including by the James Beard Foundation – which has named him Outstanding Chef and Humanitarian of the Year; TIME Magazine, which included him on the list of 100 Most Influential People in 2012 and 2018; and President Obama, who awarded José the National Humanities Medal in 2015. In 2022, President Biden appointed José to co-chair the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.