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Grace Harding
CEO of Ocean Basket Group - The most loved seafood restaurant - Agile/ Authentic leader - Proud mama - Intrepid traveller - Game changer
Grace Harding is the CEO of Ocean Basket Holdings, a global seafood restaurant brand.13 She has been in this role since June 2012, leading the company's international expansion and brand transformation.3
Harding's career journey is notable:
- She started as a shop assistant in central Johannesburg.3
- She spent 15 years learning the ropes at South Africa's top retail chain, the Edgars Group.3
- In 1998, she founded her own consultancy, specializing in helping leaders connect strategy with their people.3
- She joined Ocean Basket as CEO in 2012, overseeing its growth to over 220 restaurants in 17 countries.13
Under her leadership, Ocean Basket has:
- Expanded internationally, with plans to open 85 restaurants outside South Africa within five years.2
- Launched in the UK, opening its first British venue in Bromley in February 2025, with plans for another in Kingston upon Thames.1
- Updated its brand image, menu, and restaurant design to stay relevant and competitive.2
Harding is known for her focus on human engagement and leadership. She believes in creating a working environment that connects diverse groups to a common purpose.3 In 2020, she co-founded The Restaurant Collective, a non-profit organization serving to unify the sit-down restaurant industry in South Africa.3
Her leadership style emphasizes simplicity, focus, and purpose, with a philosophy that makes change a daily routine.3 Harding is also passionate about travel, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.3
Highlights
The next generation Ocean Basket has just opened its doors to guests and family in Paphos, Cyprus. An iconic site at the harbour. This is our 3rd brand evolution in 15 years since opening in Cyprus in 2008. Thank you to the team, most of whom have been with us for over 10 years. So appreciative to the thousands of tourists and residents of Cyprus for welcoming us to your gorgeous island. We love being there. I can't wait to visit our new home at the end of June. Hope to see you all there. OPA! #oceanbasketcyprus #cyprusrestaurants #newrestaurantopening #seafoodlovers #restaurantsuccess

