Artfarm names Bee Emmott as new CEO ahead of expansion

Bee Emmott is to take over as chief executive of the Artfarm hospitality group from 1 January.

She will replace outgoing chief executive Ewan Venters, who will work closely with Emmott for the remainder of the year until his departure.

Emmott has worked with Arftarm since 2018 when she joined the company as chief as staff. She later moved into the creative director role, working with founders Iwan and Manuela Wirth to oversee the development of the group’s expanding operations, which include London’s Groucho Club and the Fife Arms in Braemer.

Emmott is a fine art and art history graduate from Edinburgh University and her career has included project management for the British Council and eight years working with designer Thomas Heatherwick.

She joins ahead of plans for Artfarm to grow internationally as well as to open the Groucho’s first private members’ club outside of London in Yorkshire in 2026.

The Wirths, who are the Swiss art dealers behind Hauser & Wirth, said: “Bee has been an integral member of our executive team for many years and has a deep-rooted understanding of both the creative and operational aspects of our business. 

“Working closely with our artists, architects and designers alongside our hotel, restaurant and retail teams, Bee’s experience is invaluable as we enter the next phase of Artfarm’s development, with further openings planned in the UK, Europe and North America.” 

Artfarm chairman Lord Mervyn Davies said: “Having worked with Bee for many years, she was the obvious choice to be Artfarm’s next chief executive. Her unique skill at being able to interpret a creative vision and deliver a successful hospitality operation has contributed to Artfarm’s success, and I look forward seeing how she further shapes the organisation over the coming years.”

Artfarm’s portfolio includes the Mount St Restaurant in London’s Mayfair and the newly launched Da Costa in Bruton.