Alberto Zandi | Co-Founder at Emerald Hospitality Group | Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree | Innovator in Global Hospitality and Culinary Excellence
Meet Alberto Zandi Madrid, Spain. A visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of Emerald Hospitality Group, Alberto has revolutionized the hospitality industry with his innovative approach. Honored in Forbes’ 30 Under 30, he continues to inspire through his dynamic leadership and strategic expertise in creating world-class dining experiences. Alberto is originally from Madrid but has been living in London for 10 years.
Early Life and Education:
Born to Spanish parents, Alberto grew up with strong family values that centered around food, culture, and connection. His early education took him across various disciplines, blending his love for technology and business management. He pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management & Finance at Queen Mary University of London, followed by a Master’s Degree in Computing and Information Systems. Later, he further specialized with a Master’s in Technology Management from UCL.
These formative years shaped his understanding of the intersection between technology, business strategy, and consumer behavior. His interest in how companies functioned and how technology could drive success set the stage for a corporate career that would eventually lead to his entrepreneurial journey. Alberto’s company, Emerald Hospitality Group, was also listed in the Sunday Times 100 fastest-growing companies in the UK. He shares;
“I’ve always believed that education is not about learning the facts, but about training the mind to think critically and creatively,”
Entering the Corporate World:
Alberto’s first steps into the corporate world began with strategic consulting roles. As a Senior Consultant at BIP, Alberto worked on transformational projects for major clients in telecom and finance across Europe, Africa, and Asia. He developed a reputation for digital transformation expertise, particularly in cybersecurity, digital risk, and compliance. His deep involvement in the strategy definition and system integration processes for these industries laid the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial endeavors. As he puts it;
“In consulting, I learned the importance of structure and strategic execution. It’s not just about having a vision, but about bringing that vision to life in a systematic way,”
The Leap Into Hospitality: Founding Emerald Hospitality Group
In 2018, Alberto took a bold leap from corporate strategy into the hospitality industry alongside his twin brother, Arian Zandi. Together, they co-founded Emerald Hospitality Group (EHG), which now boasts four successful brands: Zuaya, a Latin American fusion restaurant; Como Garden, an Italian restaurant inspired by the elegance of Lake Como; and El Norte, which pays homage to their Spanish heritage. In 2023, EHG opened Riviera, an entire building in St James’s Street, inspired by the South of France. In 2024, they partnered with a Middle Eastern private equity firm to expand their brands, with plans to open three new restaurants in 2025.
Alberto’s corporate background allowed him to implement a structured, data-driven approach to an industry often seen as chaotic. His emphasis on customer experience and creating an emotional connection between diners and the brand quickly set EHG apart. By 2023, the group employed over 300 people and generated $17 million in revenue. You can learn more about EHG by visiting their there website here: http://emerald-hospitality-group.com/
In his words;
“What I thought was my biggest weakness—coming from corporate and not hospitality—became our greatest strength. We structured our business in a way that allows us to focus on growth, rather than getting trapped in the day-to-day operations,”
Launching 30&Thriving: A Podcast for Entrepreneurs
In 2024, Alberto expanded his reach into digital media by launching 30&Thriving, a podcast where he interviews entrepreneurs featured on Forbes 30 Under 30. The show dives into the personal journeys of young leaders, discussing not just their business success but the emotional and psychological aspects of entrepreneurship. For Alberto, this project was about humanizing the concept of success. You can find out more about 30&Thriving by visiting their website here: https://30-and-thriving.com/
As he explains;
“To me success is not related to money, fame, or status. It is the achievement of purpose in a given moment of your life”
Overcoming Challenges:
Building a hospitality empire didn’t come without its share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and the cost of living crisis all tested the resilience of EHG. Despite these difficulties, Alberto remained optimistic and strategic. He focused on appreciating the small victories, as he often advises others to do, and consistently emphasized the importance of dividing problems into manageable parts. In his words;
“The most effective methodology to tackle complex problems is to simplify things. Break down the problem into smaller problems and tackle them one by one”
Looking Ahead: The Future of EHG and Beyond
Alberto Zandi’s journey is far from over. EHG will open three new restaurants in 2025, and expand internationally in 2026. About himself, Alberto is launching a venture capital fund focused on investing in young entrepreneurs’ early-stage businesses, becoming an enabler of innovation and growth for the new generation. Lastly, season two of 30&Thriving will be in New York, interviewing Forbes North America honorees.
“Success is a journey, not a destination. It is not final, while failure is also not fatal,”
The Nectar of Wisdom from Alberto Zandi’s Journey
- Hard Work Over Talent: “Grit beats talent any day. It’s the relentless pursuit of your goals that defines success.”
- Balance is Key: “Success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about finding balance and enjoying the process.”
- Embrace Failure: “Fail cheap, learn fast, and move forward. Every failure is a step toward success.”
- Humanize Success: “Success doesn’t have one definition. It’s about creating your own path and thriving on your terms.”
- Divide and Conquer: “When challenges feel overwhelming, break them down. Focus on one piece at a time.”
Editorial Note
Alberto Zandi’s remarkable journey from corporate strategy to culinary excellence is a testament to his vision and leadership. His story inspires us all to push boundaries and redefine success. If you’re an executive with a journey worth sharing, we invite you to join the ranks of inspiring leaders like Alberto by submitting your story at executivesdiary.com/blog/submit-biography—and it’s completely free! Share your legacy with the world today.
