David Paradi

Europe's largest dedicated matcha retail brand and winner of Matcha Brand of the Year at the European Hospitality & Coffee Awards.

• Partnered directly with founders to define and execute the company's operational strategy during a period of rapid growth.
• Established a scalable and sustainable operating model to support future expansion.
• Built and developed the senior management team, creating clear ownership, accountability and leadership structures.
• Delivered 4 successful site openings and supported the continued expansion of the business.
• Contributed to 55% revenue growth through operational improvements, expansion and enhanced commercial performance.
• Optimised labour efficiency through workforce planning, productivity management and improved scheduling practices.
• Introduced KPI reporting and performance management frameworks to improve operational visibility and decision-making.
• Improved employee engagement, achieving 90%+ of team members rating JENKI as a great place to work.
• Led operational execution of major product launches, marketing campaigns and high-volume trading periods.
• Developed the systems, processes and controls required to support a growing multi-site operation.

• Scaled UK operations from 6 to 51 locations across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• Grew weekly revenue from £50k to £1.2m+, supporting annual revenues exceeding £60m.
• Delivered 47 successful store openings as part of the UK expansion strategy.
• Supported workforce growth from 70 to 800+ employees.
• Led a team of 8 Area Managers overseeing multi-site operations.
• Designed and implemented a labour efficiency model, improving productivity by 12% across the estate.
• Drove operational improvements that enhanced profitability and contributed to EBITDA growth.
• Built scalable operational systems, structures and processes to support rapid national expansion.

• Led operations across a portfolio of premium cafés, bakeries and restaurants spanning London, Brighton and Leeds.
• Oversaw multi-site performance, people strategy, recruitment, operational standards and new site openings.
• Played a key role in the launch and operational development of multiple hospitality concepts, including award-winning venues such as KUSAKI and Botanique.
• Built and developed high-performing management teams, creating a culture focused on accountability, engagement and exceptional customer experience.
• Partnered closely with chefs and founders to refine menus, improve quality standards and align product offerings with evolving market trends.
• Enhanced coffee quality, service consistency and operational execution across the estate.
• Led recruitment and leadership development initiatives to support business growth and strengthen succession planning.
• Drove improvements in employee engagement, retention and operational performance through a people-first leadership approach.

• Joined the business at launch and played a key role in scaling the operation during a period of sustained growth.
• Played a key role in shaping the operating model, culture and leadership structure of a growing multi-site hospitality business.
• Led operations across 14 locations, driving commercial performance, profitability and operational excellence.
• Spearheaded the company's London expansion, overseeing new store openings from site launch through to operational stabilisation.
• Built and developed high-performing management teams, with a strong focus on succession planning, engagement and leadership development.
• Led recruitment, onboarding and training programmes to support rapid business growth while maintaining brand standards.
• Managed operational budgets and performance across the estate, delivering consistent results in a highly competitive market.
• Established strong relationships with suppliers, landlords and key stakeholders to support business objectives and operational efficiency.