Ryan Patel

Ryan Patel, a global business executive, is recognized as a thought leader in global business and an expert in scaling companies and brands. His extensive knowledge in economies, innovation, strategy, and consumer trends has established him as a proficient figure in growing both startups and publicly traded companies worldwide. He is a regular CNN contributor and serves as a Senior Fellow with the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University.

During his tenure as the Vice President of Global Development at Pinkberry, Patel significantly broadened the company's international reach, increasing its presence from less than 95 locations to over 270 stores across North America, Europe, MENA, Asia, and Latin America. This expansion marked one of the fastest growth phases for the retail brand. Patel's ability to navigate the complexities of global markets and adapt to evolving business trends has been crucial in formulating effective growth strategies and leading cross-functional teams in various cultural settings. His career includes pivotal roles at notable companies such as Wet Seal Retail, Inc. (Arden B and Wet Seal), Jamba Juice, BJ’s Restaurants, Inc., and Panda Restaurant Group Inc. (Panda Express).

Patel is dedicated to community service and currently serves on several advisory boards, including those for technology and corporate governance, and is a Board Director at the American Red Cross LA. His integration of social responsibility with business objectives encourages practical, real-world discussions beneficial to both students and professionals. Patel's achievements have earned him multiple accolades, including "Executive of the Year" by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2015 and the "Connect" Award for Business Leader of the Year in 2018 by NAAAP SoCal. In 2020, he received the prestigious NAAAP 100 award. Additionally, Patel continues to contribute to various media outlets such as BBC, Fox Business, and Yahoo Finance, enhancing his visibility and influence across global platforms. He holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, and has completed the Corporate Governance and Board of Directors Certification from the UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Program.