First Watch adds MikMak CEO Rachel Tipograph to its board of directors
First Watch Restaurants, an American chain serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, has announced the appointment of Rachel Tipograph to its board of directors.
“We are pleased to welcome Rachel and we look forward to leaning on her deep expertise in digital transformation, customer acquisition and next-generation insights as we continue to scale the First Watch brand in new and innovative ways,” says Ralph Alvarez, Chairman of the board of directors.
Tipograph’s executive experience includes over 11 years serving as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at MikMak, a commerce enablement and analytics software company. Prior to founding MikMak, Tipograph was Global Head of Digital and Social Media at Gap from 2011 to 2014.
“I’m honoured to step into this role with a company that is redefining daytime dining with more than 600+ restaurants and growing,” says Tipograph.
“What drew me to First Watch Restaurants: at MikMak, I’ve had a front row seat to the evolving global consumer economy. Everything that happens in media and commerce is highly applicable to all sectors. The discovery and channel disruption in dining is very similar to the last decade brands and retailers have experienced.”
She adds: “I’ve always wanted to join a public board as part of my own professional development. The First Watch management team led by Chris Tomasso and its board members (Ralph Alvarez, Irene Chang Britt, Michael Fleisher, Charles Jemley, William Kussell, Stephanie Lilak, Jostein Solheim) are wildly impressive. I can’t wait to collaborate with and learn from them.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Digital transformation was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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