Washington is former president of Paradies Lagardère Travel Retail Dining Division, which operates more than 80 concepts/brands across 190 locations in 43 airports. He previously served as CEO of Hojeij Branded Foods (HBF), which Paradies Lagardère’s acquired in 2018. As CEO, Washington led the operation of 120 restaurants in 38 airports in the United States, with revenues in excess of a quarter of a billion dollars. HBF’s portfolio comprised 45 popular and widely recognized brands including P.F. Chang’s, Vino Volo Wine Bars, Gordon Biersch, Celebrity Chef Cat Cora’s Kitchen, Plum Market, Atlanta Hawk’s Bar and Grill, Longhorn Steakhouse, Chick-fil–A, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Pei Wei, Zingerman’s, Low Country by Celebrity Chef G Garvin, Pinkberry, The Plant Café Organic, Piece of Cake, and Margaritaville.
Regynald spent 12 years with the Walt Disney Company. Those positions include global vice president of food and beverage for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, vice president and general manager for Disney Regional Entertainment, director of resorts food and beverage operations for Walt Disney World Company, and general manager of food and beverage for Epcot.
Washington has occupied significant industry leadership positions, notably as a member of the board of directors and elected chairman of the board of the National Restaurant Association. Its members consist of 878,000 restaurants and food service outlets.
Washington’s previous experience includes ascending through the corporate ranks of Concessions International, which offers food and beverage, gift and news, and duty-free retail in U.S. airports. He rose to the position of corporate executive vice president.
Washington graduated from Florida International University with a B.S. in international hotel and restaurant administration. He holds a foodservice management professional certification through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. He also earned the certified food and beverage executive credential, issued by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.