Leslie Nagao Appointed Chief Marketing Officer for the National Restaurant Association

Washington, D.C. – The National Restaurant Association is pleased to announce Leslie Nagao as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Her leadership will bring together internal teams and external partners to strengthen the message of the restaurant industry, drive Association membership, and expand the products, programs, and services the Association creates to support restaurant operators of all sizes.

“Leslie is the marketing leader we need to position the National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to be indispensable partners to the restaurant industry,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “She has extensive expertise in brand strategy, member engagement, product marketing, events and communications, and public relations, and she has proven success delivering growth and impact across diverse industries. As CMO, Leslie will unify and elevate our marketing and communications strategy, ensuring a cohesive, coordinated brand experience that amplifies our presence and deepens engagement with our members, industry partners, and other key constituencies.”

Nagao comes to the Association from the Urban Land Institute, where she served as Global CMO, driving membership and event revenue growth, increasing its thought leadership position through communications and public relations, and increasing ULI's brand reputation globally. Her experience also includes senior marketing roles at ExxonMobil, AARP, and Time Warner, along with agency leadership at WPP.

"The restaurant and hospitality industry has been a defining part of my journey—from my first job to my college years,” said Nagao. “The experience shaped my leadership philosophy and equipped me with invaluable skills that I carry to this day. Restaurants are the heartbeat of our communities, bringing people together and creating lasting memories. As Chief Marketing Officer for the National Restaurant Association, I’m honored to champion the powerful story of this industry and its dedicated people while highlighting its profound economic and community contributions.”