The Executive Hospitality Recruitment Team

Founder | Principal JW Bibbins is a veteran in the hospitality industry, boasting years of experience in hospitality recruitment and executive search. He started his journey in the bustling New York City dining scene, progressing from waiting tables at the renowned French restaurant Millesime, led by Michelin-starred chef Laurent Manrique, to managing front-of-house operations for celebrity chef David Burke. With his profound understanding of the hospitality sector, JW has established himself as a talent acquisition specialist, earning a reputation for successfully placing top industry talent. Over the years, he has filled critical roles including C-Suite Executives, Directors, Executive Chefs, and General Managers at upscale hotels and high-end restaurants, along with recognized and emerging concepts throughout the US. JW's collaboration with leading hospitality organizations such as Aman Hotels, Sydell Group, ZUMA, The Standard Hotel, The Wythe Hotel, The Knickerbocker Hotel, The Lowell Hotel, James Hotel Soho, Starr Restaurants, The Lambs Club, and Mah Ze Dahr Bakery highlights his expertise. He is widely acknowledged for his skill in identifying and attracting top talent, even for the most challenging roles, while fostering enduring relationships with clients and candidates alike. Overall, JW's extensive experience in hospitality recruitment and his proven success in the executive search arena have made him a highly sought-after authority. His talent acquisition capabilities have enabled numerous organizations to build high-performing teams and achieve their business objectives.

Advisor Matt Black supports JWB Hospitality as an Advisor, leveraging his extensive experience in executive search, particularly within the realm of hospitality recruitment and HR strategy execution. Matt has successfully hired over 150 full-time employees, focusing on senior to C-Suite positions for renowned venture-backed hospitality brands, commercial real estate owners/operators, and consumer brand-centric Venture Capital and Private Equity firms. Specializing in talent acquisition, Matt collaborates with impactful, high-growth, consumer-centric businesses to design and implement value-add organizational structures and full-cycle executive recruitment processes. Notable brands he has partnered with include, but are not limited to: Sydell Group, SH Hotels & Resorts, Tishman Speyer, Global Holdings Management, The Durst Organization, The Collective: Co-Living, Jose Andres’ ThinkFoodGroup, by CHLOE. (Bain Capital Double Impact & Kitchen Fund), and Oath Pizza (Breakaway Ventures).

Executive Search Consultant Nicole Gappa is a seasoned professional in hospitality recruitment, bringing years of experience to the industry. At JWB Hospitality, Nicole plays a vital role in talent acquisition, identifying and recruiting top talent for a diverse portfolio of luxury hotel and restaurant clients. With a deep understanding of the skills and experience needed for success in the hospitality sector, she has built an extensive network of contacts and is recognized for her ability to attract highly qualified candidates for even the most challenging roles. Nicole is passionate about fostering long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates, diligently working to ensure that each placement is a perfect match. Beyond her recruitment expertise, Nicole offers a wealth of hospitality industry experience. Before joining JWB Hospitality, she collaborated with the CEO of a vertically integrated hospitality group, overseeing design, development, operations, and consulting for multi-venue concepts within hotel properties and some of New York’s top food and beverage venues. This unique perspective enhances her understanding of the qualities that define a successful hospitality professional. Nicole's extensive experience in hospitality and her proven success in talent acquisition make her an invaluable asset to any organization aiming to build a high-performing team in the hospitality industry.

Executive Search Consultant Nancy Anthony, a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, brings over fifteen years of experience in the NYC restaurant industry to JWB Hospitality. She began her career in management with Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality group at MoMA’s The Modern. Building a strong operational background in all aspects of hospitality, she left the helm of The Modern after more than seven years to become a manager with Thomas Keller’s Per Se. There, Nancy thrived in an intensely competitive environment, learning the intricacies of managing a three-Michelin-starred dining room. Training and establishing strong team cultures have remained at the core of her leadership skills, which were key to her success as Operations Director for Gabriel Kreuther. In this role, she helped the restaurant achieve a second Michelin star within their first three years of operation and contributed to growing their handcrafted chocolate business. Most recently, Nancy served as the Director of Restaurants for Daniel Boulud at the notable midtown One Vanderbilt skyscraper and was the General Manager of the newly opened Le Pavillon, a remarkable addition to the Dinex Group. Her extensive background in hospitality recruitment and talent acquisition positions her as a valuable asset in the executive search landscape.

Relationship Development Manager

Kristin leads the Relationship Development team in establishing strategic partnerships through executive search with both candidates and world-class hospitality brands, from restaurants to hotels. As part of our hospitality recruitment efforts, Kristin provides opportunities for our clients to connect with leading talent in both New York City and San Diego, ensuring they receive exceptional service in their talent acquisition endeavors.