Leadership

Union Square Hospitality hires its 1st CMO

The multiconcept operator also added a new chief people officer.
union square cafe
Photograph: Shutterstock

Multiconcept powerhouse Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) announced additions to its C-suite Tuesday, hiring its first CMO as well as a chief people officer.

Rani Yadav

Rani Yadav

Rani Yadav becomes the New York City-based company’s chief marketing officer, joining the business after several years with the Blue Apron meal kit brand. Yadav was Blue Apron’s first marketing hire and saw the company through its IPO in 2017. She also worked in venture capital.

Patti SimpsonPatti Simpson

Patti Simpson is the new chief people officer for USHG. An industry veteran, she has led human resources at a number of restaurant brands including Ruby Tuesday, TGI Fridays and Ignite Restaurant Group.

Last April, USHG hired Chip Wade as president, following six years as EVP of operations for Red Lobster.

Restaurateur Danny Meyer founded USHG in 1985 with the opening of Union Square Cafe. The company, which created Shake Shack, operates a number of restaurant concepts in New York City, Las Vegas and Washington, D.C.

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