The TEAM
JOHN RIGOS
20+ Years Hospitality Operations, Strategy and Finance
University of Pennsylvania, INSEAD
Co-CEO Aurify Kingstar
ANDY STERN
20+ Years Hospitality Operations and Investing Technology + Branding
Vanderbilt University
Co-CEO Aurify Kingstar
JOSH MORGAN
COO & Partner
Leads operations, platform strategy, business development, and M&A across AKS portfolios. With the company since 2013. Previously Hillstone Restaurant Group and The NoMad Hotel. Cornell alum.
DANIEL RHOLLANS
VP of Finance
Leads financial strategy, underwriting, and FP&A functions across AKS portfolios. Previous Global CapEx Manager at Harry's. GE Aviation Operational Management Leadership Program alum.
MARINA ROULIS
Chief Administrative Officer
Runs entity formation, legal ops, compliance, and vendor management across the platform. With Aurify since its founding.
JEREMY TANNENBAUM
Director of Special Initiatives
Leads strategic initiatives across the AKS platform. Previously opened Tender Greens’ first East Coast location and started his career at Gramercy Tavern. Wash U grad.
MICHAEL MAZZELLA
Director of Human Resources
Manages a full range of HR functions across multiple brands, including benefits administration, payroll processing, employee relations, compliance, policies, and talent management
SOULEY VALIAN
Controller
Oversees the accounting cycle across the full AKS portfolio. Previously Staff Auditor at Ernst & Young. Baruch College grad.
MEHMET YOLAC
Director of Hospitality, Happy Monkey
Runs front-of-house operations at Happy Monkey in Greenwich. Previously held leadership roles at Four Seasons, Hilton, and the Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse. Johnson & Wales grad.
BRIAN SANTORO
Executive Chef, Happy Monkey
Oversees all culinary innovation at the platform.
LOUIS RIGOS
Facilities Director
Manages facilities across the Wingstop, Melt Shop, and Fields Good Chicken portfolio. Previously founded and operated Silver Spoon on Manhattan’s Upper East Side for 20+ years.