Professional headshot of a smiling man wearing a black suit, white shirt, and beige tie, against a dark, blurred background.

Michael Wilson, PCIII

Principal Search Consultant

Food Service & Culinary Expert

Michael Wilson is a hospitality executive turned talent strategist, currently serving as Vice President of Executive Search and Recruitment at Gravity Talent Partners. With more than two decades of experience leading high-performing culinary and operational teams, Michael now partners with premier organizations across the country to identify, attract, and place top-tier executive talent. His firsthand industry experience allows him to uniquely connect organizations with leaders who drive culture, performance, and long-term success.

Prior to transitioning into executive search, Michael built an accomplished career with Aramark, where he most recently served as Culinary Council Chairman for the company's Collegiate Hospitality division. In this national leadership role, he collaborated across multiple sectors, including Sports and Entertainment, National Parks, Business Dining, and K-12, to align strategies around recruitment, training, retention, innovation, and supply chain. He played a key role in advancing culinary excellence, supporting business development, and fostering partnerships with clients and vendors.

Simultaneously, Michael served as Regional Culinary Director for Aramark's Northeast Region, overseeing culinary operations for a portfolio of 40 accounts. He led initiatives in innovation, operational systems, financial performance, and team development, contributing to significant regional growth and strengthening market position.

Earlier in his career, Michael held the role of District Executive Chef for the New York Metro area, managing 16 dining locations across residential, retail, and catering operations. He also served as Executive Chef within the acclaimed Bohlsen Restaurant Group, leading award-winning, high-volume fine dining establishments. As the opening Executive Chef of Monsoon, he helped earn recognition as the number one restaurant on Long Island and national accolades from OpenTable.

Michael began his career as an entrepreneur, founding and operating multiple restaurant concepts in New York and the Florida Keys. This experience shaped his expertise in concept development, operational design, financial management, and team building.

He holds a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University and has earned Professional Chef II and III certifications from the Culinary Institute of America. A longtime certified member of the American Culinary Federation, Michael is also credentialed in food safety and known for his commitment to mentorship, leadership development, and industry advancement.

Blending operational expertise with a deep understanding of people and culture, Michael brings a strategic, relationship-driven approach to executive search, helping organizations and leaders achieve lasting success.