José Andrés
José Andrés
Chef, Restaurateur, Humanitarian
Twice named one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People" and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, José Andrés is a renowned chef, Emmy Award-winning television personality, New York Times bestselling author, educator, and internationally recognized humanitarian. He is the owner of José Andrés Group, which operates 40 restaurants in the US and beyond, including the 2 Michelin-starred minibar by José Andrés. In 2010, Andrés founded World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. He is also the founder of the Global Food Institute at George Washington University, which educates and inspires current and future food systems leaders toward the goal of "changing the world through the power of food." Andrés's work has earned distinctions including the National Humanities Medal, the Princess of Asturias Foundation's Concordia Prize, and the James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Chef" award.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Morning Keynote: Great Work Doesn’t Wait for Permission
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Behind every campaign you've ever admired is a person who decided to build it before anyone told them how. Astha Malik, Chief Business Officer at Braze, closes Forge 2026 by making the case for the marketer over the machine and why the people in this room decide what customer engagement becomes next. There's no playbook for this moment, because it’s yours to write.

Seth Matlins will then join to lead a CMO panel exploring the shifts shaping the industry today, from AI and technology to the changing customer expectations, brand, and growth.

Finally, Astha will bring the “Made for This” theme full circle with a headliner panel exploring how the challenges marketers have solved, the campaigns they’ve launched, and the technologies they’ve embraced have prepared them to lead what comes next.