non-executive director

Antoinette Bruno steers companies to success by recognizing opportunities and devising creative, impactful strategies. Known for breaking down complex ideas and guiding executives to think beyond the obvious, she drives competitive advantage and performance improvements. A strong financial acumen and the ability to lead organizations toward change when needed have earned Antoinette a respected place at the table wherever she serves.

For two decades, as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of StarChefs, Antoinette led efforts to advance the food industry, addressing its evolving challenges. She helped build food B2B brands, conceptualize new products, and create marketing campaigns that stand the test of time, establishing key relationships with influential culinary professionals. With a proven track record, she supported brands like Angostura, Breville-Polyscience, CA Walnuts, Corto Olive Oil, Jade Range, Laura Chenel, Minor’s Foodservice, Niman Ranch, Steelite, Symrise, and Vitamix. As a NED, Antoinette now plays a key role in StarChefs' growth strategy, enhancing business development efforts.

During her tenure with Women Chefs and Restaurateurs (WCR), Antoinette helped transform the organization’s image and culture, increasing membership and revitalizing sponsorship dollars, restoring financial stability. At Seeds in the Middle, she mentored the Executive Director to support the organization’s fundraising and growth strategies.

As the consulting Chief Commerical Officer of Upcycled Foods, Antoinette spearheaded go-to-market efforts, focusing on cultivating an influencer chef strategy to build authentic brand ambassadorships and expand exposure for the company's upcycled products.

In late 2020, Antoinette led the turnaround of her family’s entertainment business—modernizing the world’s oldest family-owned amusement park during the pandemic. She drove digital transformation, improved customer experience, and launched the park’s F&B division, creating new revenue streams. Her leadership drove the park to its best performance in its 128-year history despite the challenges of family-exclusive boards and a global crisis.

Earlier in her career, Antoinette rose through the ranks at The Body Shop, where she transitioned from operations to business development. She was instrumental in halting an $18 million aging inventory problem and constructed a plan for sustainable growth. She began her career in Sales & Trading at Salomon Brothers under the guidance of Lewis Ranieri.

Antoinette holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Postgraduate Degree from the London School of Economics, and a culinary degree from L'Ecole Ritz Escoffier. Today, she is focused on food waste, food insecurity, and sustainability, committed to solving the global food crisis and driving large-scale, impactful change.

Antoinette has demonstrated that she is:

• Strategically focused, contributing to the ongoing evolution of a company’s mission

• Experienced in defining and executing business strategy aligned with the company’s mission

• Collaborative and effective in team settings

• Brings valuable experiential and intellectual diversity to any board

• Resilient, with a strong voice when critical issues are at stake

• A source of added value to both the executive suite and the board

• Able to leverage her deep industry experience and contacts to help companies thrive