Nathaniel Ru

Nathaniel Ru is an American entrepreneur, businessman, and investor. He is the Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer of sweetgreen, a company on a mission to connect people to the future of real food. Ru co-founded sweetgreen in 2007, shortly after graduating from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business with a BS in Finance. Alongside Nicolas Jammet and Jonathan Neman, whom he met during college, they established their first location in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

Since its inception, sweetgreen has expanded significantly, now boasting over 90 locations and employing more than 4,000 team members across the United States. The brand is committed to sustainability and local sourcing, focusing on creating simple, seasonal, healthy food. Under Ru's leadership, sweetgreen has also initiated several "impact projects" aimed at providing food access and education to underserved communities. This initiative underscores the company’s dedication to leaving communities better than they found them.

Nathaniel Ru's innovative approach in the food and beverage industry has earned him numerous accolades, including Forbes' “30 Under 30,” Ad Age’s “40 under 40,” and Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business.” In 2016, Ru and his co-founders received the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He has also been celebrated for his commitment to transparency, sustainability, and community engagement—core values that propel sweetgreen’s philosophy. Through his work, Ru continues to advocate for healthy eating and sustainable living, making notable contributions to discussions on health, entrepreneurship, and corporate responsibility.