Rob Rees

Rob Rees MBE DL is a former chef, food policy leader and passionate advocate for food education who now serves as CEO of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation. With a lifelong commitment to building fair, sustainable and healthy food systems, Rob brings global experience and deep purpose to one of Australia’s most respected food education organisations.

Raised in Essex in the UK, Rob discovered his love of food early and became the first boy at his school to study cookery. He went on to train and work in some of the world’s leading kitchens, including Michelin-starred restaurants. While the hospitality industry taught him resilience, discipline and communication under pressure, it also shaped his belief that empathy, emotional intelligence and inclusion are essential to effective leadership.

For more than 25 years, Rob has channelled his culinary background into creating meaningful social change. His career has spanned food policy, sustainability, community development and school food reform, with a focus on improving access to nutritious food and empowering young people through education. His contribution to improving school food systems in the UK was recognised with the honour of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), and his appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant (DL).

Now based in Melbourne with his family for over a decade, Rob was most recently CEO of Cultivating Community before joining the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation in August. In his current role, he is focused on expanding the Foundation’s reach, strengthening community and youth involvement, and ensuring inclusivity and diversity remain central to its work — particularly in regional and remote communities facing socio-educational disadvantage.

Known for his restless curiosity, creativity and drive, Rob has redirected the energy that once powered high-end restaurant kitchens into a new mission: ensuring all Australian children can experience the joy, confidence and lifelong benefits that come from growing, cooking and sharing fresh food. As a speaker, Rob offers thoughtful insights on leadership, food systems, sustainability, education and social impact, grounded in real-world experience and a deep belief in the power of food to bring people together.