Whole Foods Appoints Tien Ho to Culinary Role

Whole Foods Market has appointed Tien Ho as global VP of culinary and hospitality, in which he'll manage the Austin-based grocer's prepared foods and bakery team.

Ho comes to Whole Foods from Morgans Hotel Group, where he managed the culinary department across the group's 10 hotel brands, including kitchen design and concept development, as well as overseeing operating procedures and recruitment. He has also held chef and partner positions with a number of upscale restaurant brands in New York.

“Having worked among some of the most recognized chefs and hotel brands in the world, Tien is an innovative leader in the culinary and hospitality industries,” said Ken Meyer, EVP of operations.

“As the Whole Foods Market brand continues to evolve and differentiate itself from competitors," Meyer added, "we recognize the importance of this role and could not be more pleased to welcome Tien, who will help us elevate the way Whole Foods Market guests experience our food."

Added Ho: "I have long admired how Whole Foods Market set[s] itself apart from conventional grocery stores by offering the best quality products, shopping experience, and really enjoyable in-store dining experiences," adding that he aims to "further extend the wonderfully unique things people love about Whole Foods Market through the foods we create, the items we bake, and the experience our customers have when they purchase and consume them.”

Whole Foods Market operates 434 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.