Team
CEO & Co-Founder: Gilad Hayeem
Gilad is a British entrepreneur with a background in business and asset management. He co-founded Marble Bar Asset Management and drove its growth throughout the decade, before founding Waverly Group in 2012 to channel his experience of building businesses rather than simply investing in them. At the core of Waverly’s approach is the excitement of what can be achieved by partnering with like-minded, smart business creators who share a passion for making innovative interventions in their sectors. Over the past decade, Waverly has built and scaled a select portfolio of businesses from inception to commercial viability across biotech, technology, financial services, real estate and art. In 2021, Gilad and the Waverly team joined forces with chefs Hari and Ori to create Nela. The concept was born from their culinary vision and track record of operational excellence, and Gilad’s passion for creativity, craftsmanship and the joy of great hospitality. Since inception, the chefs have created and driven an expert product, with Waverly working alongside them to build the business and chart its path for growth. As CEO, Gilad combines hands-on support for the chefs with strategic leadership to drive Nela’s long-term success.
Chef & Co-Founder: Hari Shetty
Hari always knew he wanted to work in the kitchen. In Mumbai, he grew up in his father's restaurant and was inspired by all the flavours and smells India has to offer. In 1999, Hari left India and moved to London to work in some of its top restaurants, before taking up a position at Nobu. During his time at Nobu, including as Head Chef of Nobu Park Lane, London, he was recognised not only for his talent for cooking but also his relentless focus on quality and his extensive management skills. He went on to work in various locations worldwide (Michelin Star in two), before being approached to become executive chef of a leading European restaurant group, opening 12 restaurants across the continent and working closely with Ori Geller. In 2021, Hari and Ori joined forces with Gilad and brought their shared vision and creativity to life by establishing Nela.
Chef & Co-Founder: Ori Geller
Ori began a successful career as a graphic designer but soon realised that his true passion was cooking. He moved to the US to work in several prestigious restaurants and quickly became a specialist in high end Mediterranean cuisine. After seven years in New York, Ori returned to Europe, joining a leading restaurant group where he met and worked closely with Hari Shetty. He became Head Chef and subsequently developed and opened The Duchess (Amsterdam, Michelin Star) and Mr Porter (Amsterdam and Barcelona). In 2021, Ori and Hari joined forces with Gilad and brought their shared vision and creativity to life by establishing Nela.
Chief Operating Officer: Kate Bearman
Kate brings over three decades of experience working with corporates, international statespeople and investment vehicles to deliver complex commercial and organisational strategies. As COO of Nela, she executes all aspects of business development, construction oversight, project management and site management. She also directs communications and brand positioning to ensure each new location forges meaningful connections with its audiences, strengthening engagement and elevating the power of the brand.
Finance Director – Hardip Nijjar
Hardip is a Chartered Accountant with diverse experience from start-ups to large corporates. He has worked in a variety of sectors, including F&B, retail, design, construction and property and spent several years as Finance Director at Conran Holdings. At Nela, Hardip builds strong, scalable financial systems that help the business grow, combining strategic insight with strong operational discipline to support the group’s growth.
Financial Controller – Paula Kolinska
Paula has over 12 years’ accountancy experience. She has a strong background in accounting and finance and has managed finance operations for leading design and creative businesses. At Nela, she directs budgeting, financial reporting, cost management, and internal controls, ensuring robust financial governance.
Director of Operations (Amsterdam) – Rupesh Shetty
Since graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management in 2001, Rupesh has built a solid and skilled career in the hospitality industry. He has over 25 years’ experience and an in-depth specialisation in F&B leadership. He has led multiple teams to execute pre-openings of luxury hotels, independent lifestyle dining, beach clubs and QSR.
Rupesh brings to Nela a strong business mindset and entrepreneurial flair, creativity, and the ability to conceptualise innovation and drive change in a fast-growing, competitive environment.
Group Executive Pastry Chef – Deepti Shevalkar
Deepti has over 25 years’ experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, luxury hotels, and high-end dining throughout Europe, where she has mastered both classical pastry techniques and cutting-edge dessert innovation. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu, Deepti honed her skills under Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay, and held key roles at The Dorchester, Trinity, and as Executive Pastry Chef for The Entourage Group, overseeing acclaimed venues including MOMO and The Duchess.
Since 2023, Deepti has led Nela’s pastry programme, where her innovative reinterpretations of classic desserts and emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients have garnered widespread acclaim. Beyond the kitchen, she is passionate about mentoring the next generation of chefs and is a vocal advocate for sustainability in her practices.
Head Chef (London) – Sachin Mistry
Sachin is a versatile chef with over 7 years’ experience in fast-paced kitchens across the UK and US, including The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester and The Cross at Kenilworth (Michelin Star). He has proven expertise across all kitchen sections—including grill, pastry, larder, and sauce— and of managing teams. He is adept at maintaining high standards under pressure, driving smooth service flow, and shaping innovative and dynamic menu development. Sachin brings to Nela a passion for modern British and international cuisines and a commitment to excellence in both food quality and kitchen operations.
