Robert Ancill – CEO & Managing Partner

Robert was educated in Glasgow, United Kingdom. completing his HCIMA & MBA over the following years while working in the UK & US Restaurant Industries.

His career spans over 22 years in the Restaurant, Retail & Leisure Industries, with a solid background in restaurant/cafe operations, management & finance, concept & brand development, launching new businesses, and managing change.

Robert has managed over 180 restaurant/café openings and the launching of 14 new concepts in the UK, Israel & the US.

Robert sits on the boards of two privately held companies (not including The Next Idea), and provides industry advice to a number of financial institutions regarding future restaurant trends and specific company diagnostics.

Robert’s experience includes:

• The Next Idea - CEO & Managing Partner
• Panera Bread (San Fernando Valley, CA Franchise) - Operating Partner
• Safeway Stores - VP Restaurant Operations (UK)
• House of Fraser - VP Restaurant Operations (UK)
• Planet Hollywood - General Manager (Tel Aviv, Israel)
• Aroma Café Group - VP Restaurant Operations & Development (UK)
• Queen’s Moat House Hotels - General Manager
• Bentleys Of Piccadilly PLC - Restaurant General Manager

Rochelle Levy – Managing Partner

Rochelle Levy is one of the country’s most revered food development consultants, with over 20 year’s experience. She possesses an impressive past client list including: Dunkin’ Donuts, Chick-fill-A, Schlotzsky’s,  WaWa, Noah’s New York Bagels, Burger King, Continental Baking, Gelsons, Sara Lee, Pizza Hut (domestic and international),  Houston’s, Applebee’s,  Denny’s, Blimpie’s, Boston Market, TGIFriday’s, Wolfgang Puck Food Company, HMS  Host, Panda Express, Delta Airlines, KFC and Johnny Rockets, to name just a few

Rochelle’s experience spans more than 250 concepts—from convenience stores, full service restaurants, fast food, casual, leading retail brands, upscale concepts, bakeries as well as manufacturers.  Her work has taken her from coast to coast and internationally in Mexico, Canada, Brazil and United Kingdom.

Harris Raphael – Managing Partner – Europe

Educated in the UK and the USA, Harris qualified in Law (LLB) from the London School of Economics and gained a masters (MSc) in Comparative Politics, after which he joined Barristers chambers in London.

He subsequently set up his own international consulting practice in business development and finance, having worked with a number of leading consultancy firms and marketing agencies including Saatchi and Saatchi, Leo Burnett and McKinseys. He joined The Next Idea as Managing Partner for Europe in 2004, and oversees all TNI's Europe operations.

Harris’ area of market specialization includes the professional, property, medical, leisure and charity sectors. With over 25 years experience in helping business from start-ups to multi-nationals, Harris always provides significant and innovative advice to help our clients’ businesses succeed.

Maerav Chiprut – Partner & VP Training Services

Maerav’s career spans over 15 years in the Restaurant, Retail & Leisure Industries, with a focus in restaurant/cafe operations and training.

Maerav has managed over 30 restaurant/café openings in the UK, Israel & the US.

Maerav is responsible for all The Next Idea training activities, and has consulted with a range of food service operators; including Virgin Trains, Panera Bread, and Albert Roux Cafes.

Maerav’s experience includes:

• The Next Idea - Partner & VP of Training Services
• Lucy Activewear - Regional Training Director
• Starbucks UK & US - Regional Training Director (UK)
• Bennigan’s Restaurant - General Manager & Regional Training Coordinator
• Planet Hollywood - Assistant General Manager & Head of Training

Douglas Clark – Chef Consultant

Douglas Clark knows how to create a great meal, and a great menu. Doug was a professional chef in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia for fifteen years and has self-published a range of recipes.

Doug has managed a variety of high end restaurant and hotel kitchens, and has held positions including: Hilton Hotel – Executive Head Chef, La Charcuterie (PA), Head Chef, Vermont Flat Bread Company – Head Chef, La’Foret (PA) – Sous Chef, Panera Bread: Bakery & Line Manager.

Doug has worked with The Next Idea from the day of our inception, and has consulted with a range of our clients in concept and new menu launches, kitchen training, food management and product development.