Running noma Copenhagen

Pivoting industries and innovating in new fields led Dublin-born Lena Hennessy to become Chief Operating Officer of three-Michelin star restaurant and community, noma.

With innovation and creativity at the restaurant’s core, there is no wonder the multi-disciplinary strategist has taken a leading role in this business.

Lena Hennessy started out in music, training to be an opera singer and a classical pianist, before she pivoted into finance, food, then strategy until she found herself at noma.

”There is a common thread there though, and that thread is curiosity.”

Her colleagues’ unwavering commitment to excellence inspires her, and she finds the endless repetition and striving for perfection is something that resonates with her as classical musician.

Hennessy joined noma during an inflection point at the organisation when two decades after its doors opened. It had expanded beyond the restaurant into a product line, a series of publications, and a global non-profit called MAD. There was an excellent opportunity for her to come and help noma achieve their ambitions for the future.

“It’s an honour and privilege to be a part of noma’s journey.”

She has come to appreciate the value of openheartedness instilled in her during her upbringing in Ireland, while living and working abroad. She feels that Irish people’s ease in connecting with others can lead to beautiful relationships professionally and personally and ‘the Irish welcome’ is something she carries with her from home.

However, Hennessy does point out that “the further you get from St James’ Gate, the harder it is to get a good pint [of Guinness]”.