Elli Jafari has been named the chief executive officer of the renowned Groucho Club in London.
She will be the first female leader for the member's club, which was acquired by hospitality group Artfarm in 2022.
Jafari will transition to her new role in mid-April, departing from her position at the Standard hotel in King's Cross, where she served as the executive vice president for London and Ibiza, recognized for her expertise in organizing celebrity gatherings.
Having been raised in Tehran, Jafari pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Hotel and Restaurant Management at San Francisco's Golden State University. Her career has spanned roles at W Hotels and Lore Group, including a tenure as managing director of the Curtain hotel and members' club in Shoreditch.
According to Artfarm, Jafari will 'work closely with the Groucho team to harness the magic, artistry and creativity of the club and build on its past decades of success'.
Ewan Venters, chief executive of Artfarm, said: 'The appointment of Elli signifies the start of an exciting new era for the Groucho Club.
'As our first female CEO, this feels particularly apt as we approach the fortieth anniversary of the club's formation.
'We have exciting plans in the pipeline, and I am confident that Elli's considerable expertise will enable us to further enhance our member experience for many years to come whilst staying true to our founding principles.'
Established in 1985 by a predominantly female group of publishers, The Groucho Club has served as a focal point for individuals in the arts, literature, film, music, and media fields for nearly four decades.
The club derives its name from a quote attributed to Groucho Marx:'I don't want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member.'
Artist Damien Hirst made headlines when he famously celebrated his Turner Prize victory by placing his £20,000 winnings behind the bar at the club. Additionally, U2 frontman Bono serenaded President Bill Clinton with a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' around a piano during a memorable event at the club.
Mark Hix assumed the role of Director of Food and Beverage at the Groucho Club following Artfarm's acquisition of the establishment in 2022.
Artfarm was established in 2014 by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, who are also the co-founders of the renowned art gallery Hauser & Wirth.
Among its hospitality ventures, Artfarm oversees properties such as the Fife Arms in Braemar, Fish Shop in Ballater, and the Audley pub in London's Mayfair.
