Executive Search Firm for Hospitality and Restaurant Operations
Executive Search Firm for Hospitality and Restaurant Operations
As a top-rated COO executive search firm, Wray Executive Search specializes in connecting restaurant, hospitality, and franchise companies with transformational operations leaders. Our approach combines deep industry knowledge with high-touch search execution to find the right COO—one who brings clarity to complexity and delivers enterprise value from day one.
Unlike generalist operations executive recruiters, we understand the operational levers that drive performance in fast-paced, guest-centric environments. From kitchen execution to multi-unit logistics, we bring forward candidates who’ve lived it—and led it.
Our clients count on us as their go-to COO recruiter because we deliver results: disciplined operators who boost efficiency, lead large teams, and scale systems without losing sight of brand culture.
In the restaurant and hospitality industries, the COO plays a mission-critical role. From managing labor and food costs to driving guest satisfaction and back-of-house innovation, this leader keeps the engine running while supporting the vision from the top.
A Legacy of Building Operations Excellence
We understand the importance of a strong second-in-command. The right COO balances visionary execution with practical management, acting as the backbone of organizational success.
Our COO candidates are skilled in:
Rapid growth and scaling
Performance turnaround
Infrastructure modernization
Multi-brand or multi-region operations
Trusted by the top restaurant, hospitality, food service, & franchises in the world
The Wray Advantage
Why Work with Wray as Your COO Search Consultant?
Trusted by Top Brands: Our clients return again and again for key operations hires.
Specialized Expertise: We focus on recruiting COOs for complex, growth-focused companies in the restaurant and hospitality space.
High-Touch Service: From intake to onboarding, we support every stage of your search.
Lasting Impact: Our COO placements become indispensable leaders in fast-paced, evolving organizations.
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6 Points of Distinction
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Our Leadership
Our leading consultants bring substantial senior-level experience.
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Wide Scope
Wray Executive Search offers a wide scope of industry knowledge and experience. We provide a wide array of services and have an extensive network in these arenas.
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Impactful Expertise
The cross-functional, wide-reaching expertise our company provides can have a deep impact on your business. We serve client needs internationally, nationally, regionally and locally.
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Unique Guarantees
We offer a full one-year replacement guarantee ensuring that our candidates will bring value long term. If, for some reason, the hired candidate does not work out, we will find a replacement.
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Diverse Consultants
Our consultants bring varied experience from all segments of the industry. We offer broad-based, cross-functional expertise to enhance our partnership.
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Competitive, Comprehensive Rates
There are no surprises when it comes to our fees. We maintain highly competitive performance-based rates founded upon our robust executive search record.
Our Team
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Bob Gershberg
CEO & Managing Partner
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Kevin Stockslager
EVP and Partner
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Rebecca Patt
SVP & Partner
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Ray Kelley
SVP & Partner
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Joe Radice
Advisor
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Monica da la Nuez
Vice President
Get in Touch
If you're looking to hire a position at your company, submit the form and we will be in touch with you shortly.
Our unmatched industry expertise and connections to top-tier talent set us apart as a trusted partner in your search for excellence.
If you are looking to be considered for opportunities, go to our candidate page and submit your resume.
Why Leading Companies Choose Wray as Their COO Executive Search Firm
Wray Executive Search makes hiring easier by combining strategic insight, industry specialization, and unrivaled access to top-tier talent. As a leading COO recruiter, we deliver leaders who:
Are fluent in unit economics, cost control, and customer experience
Bring stability during transitions or rapid growth
Create sustainable systems that drive accountability and scalability
Have the emotional intelligence to inspire teams across functions and regions who understand the metrics, management, and mindset needed to operationalize your vision.
With deep knowledge of restaurant and hospitality metrics—including labor optimization, supply chain management, franchisor/franchisee operations, and customer experience—we ensure your next COO is ready to lead from day one.
Partner with a COO executive search firm that knows what it takes to lead in restaurant and hospitality operations—and has the track record to prove it.