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Meet Our Team
The visionary leaders behind The Food Connect, bringing decades of combined
experience in F&B, finance, and operations to serve the UAE's food industry
community.
Word From
Our CEO
“When I started The Food Connect, it wasn’t built from a business plan — it was born from a need.
During my journey building my own food brands, I realized how isolating the F&B world can be. There were so many passionate founders, yet so little collaboration or genuine support. So I decided to create the kind of community I wished existed — one that connects people not just professionally, but personally.
What began as a small WhatsApp group during the pandemic has grown into a powerful ecosystem of changemakers, chefs, and entrepreneurs who believe that success in food should also mean connection, creativity, and fun.
My mission is simple: to make business feel human again — because when we share ideas, stories, and good food, we all grow together.”
Nadia Shah
CEO & Founder, The Food Connect
TFC Team
Founder & CEO
Nadia Shah
Founder & CEO
Nadia is a strategic leader and award-winning brand builder with over 12 years of experience in the F&B industry. She was recognized as one of Caterer Middle East's 24 Most Inspiring Women in F&B and has successfully launched multiple food concepts across the UAE. Her vision for The Food Connect stems from her deep understanding of the challenges faced by F&B professionals and her passion for creating meaningful connections that drive business growth.
Board Members / Advisors
Max
Supply Chain & Sustainability
Max is a Co-Founder of eJaby, a UAE Future 100-listed company recognized for innovation in food redistribution and sustainability. Max blends entrepreneurship with social impact, driving tech-based solutions that advance sustainable digital commerce across the UAE’s F&B ecosystem.
Menna
Digital Infrastructure & Delivery Systems
Menna is a purpose-driven co-founder of eJaby, a UAE Future 100 social enterprise focused on reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. With 12+ years at GSK as a regional executive, she combines corporate leadership with a passion for equity, innovation, and measurable environmental impact.
Emad
Strategic Growth & Partnerships
Emad is a veteran F&B leader with 25+ years of experience, Emad serves as VP of Operations & Development for Eagles Landing International Restaurants, where he has expanded global brands like Cinnabon, Red Lobster, and TGI Fridays across MENA. He’s known for scaling restaurant concepts and operational excellence.
Ehab
Investment & Finance Strategy
With over 30 years in F&B finance, Ehab is the CFO of Eagles Landing International Restaurants (MENA), overseeing major global brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, and IHOP. His expertise in strategic growth and financial governance ensures sustainable expansion across The Food Connect’s ecosystem.
Ihab Kotb
Director of IT and Digital Transformation
An accomplished IT and digital transformation expert with 25+ years of leadership across the UAE, Egypt, and the Gulf. Ihab has led major projects for Emaar, Four Seasons, and Crowne Plaza, bringing deep expertise in ERP, CRM, BI, and cybersecurity to drive innovation and digital excellence at The Food Connect.
Community Managers
Myriam
Founder & CEO of VTRL, Myriam is a hospitality entrepreneur known for creating engaging, community-driven experiences. She specializes in curating events and collaborations that connect chefs, brands, and innovators across the F&B industry.
Ramzi
Founder & Director of MV-Forward, Ramzi brings expertise in business growth, development, and culinary innovation. He focuses on empowering entrepreneurs within The Food Connect community, helping F&B professionals turn creative ideas into thriving ventures.
Andrew
Andrew is an experienced hospitality professional with a strong background in operations and community engagement. At The Food Connect, he helps bridge industry connections and supports member growth through meaningful partnerships and experiential events.
Zaina
Chef and owner of Zoogz, Zaina combines her culinary creativity with a passion for community building. She plays a key role in uniting chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers through authentic, experience-based gatherings within The Food Connect network.
Karina
Head of Marketing & PR at Smart Catering, Karina brings deep expertise in brand storytelling and public relations. She helps strengthen The Food Connect’s presence through creative campaigns and events that showcase the community’s dynamic spirit.
Joim Our Team of Community Managers!
Manage your community today under TFC. We provide support, resources to get you going, involved and engaged.
We don't just connect people. We cook up opportunities. Join the UAE's fastest-growing F&B community.
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