Too many cooks in the kitchen usually spoil the broth, but at OzHarvest’s annual CEO CookOff, it’s the recipe for impact. Each year, business leaders and corporate teams join forces with top chefs to raise money for people in need.

Established in 2012, the CEO CookOff is a unique spin on OzHarvest’s mission to feed Australia’s hungry. OzHarvest Founder Ronni Kahn says she wanted to turn the tables on traditional fundraising dinners by putting corporates in the kitchen.

“I saw an opportunity to engage with CEOs and business leaders,” Kahn tells The CEO Magazine. “There’s a bit of competition, fundraising and cooking.”

What makes the event unique is that CEOs serve up their culinary concoctions to guests from the charities that receive OzHarvest food.

“Not only is it a night to remember for them, but it’s a chance for business leaders to break bread and talk with people doing it tough,” Kahn explains.

Spreading across the country

Originally confined to Sydney, the CEO CookOff has spread its wings in 2025. This year, nine separate CookOffs will be held across seven cities.

“We’re taking over October and calling it Oztober,” Kahn says, laughing. “And each event will have a different menu, reflecting the different styles of the chefs.”

The OzHarvest team works closely with an exciting line-up of chef ambassadors to devise restaurant-quality meals that are nourishing and comforting. Kahn says CEOs who are in two minds about donning the apron should rest assured that they’ll be guided through the process.

“You don’t need any culinary skills, because you’re in such good hands,” she notes.

“We’re so lucky to have 30 of Australia’s top chefs, including Neil Perry, Matt Moran, Peter Gilmore and Andrew McConnell. Collectively, we’re a 60-hatted restaurant experience. Half the fun is getting in the kitchen and learning from the masters.”

This year, more than 100 business leaders have accepted the CEO CookOff challenge. Among the instant chefs are Canva Co-Founder Cameron Adams, Pinterest ANZ Managing Director Melinda Petrunoff, JCDecaux ANZ Co-CEO Max Eburne, Nestlé Oceania CEO Sandra Martinez, Goodman Foundation CEO Kris Ashpole, Nine CEO Matthew Stanton and BP Asia Pacific Senior Vice President Paul Augé, with more joining the fold as the date approaches.

Kahn says they’re in for a rewarding night.

“Since 2012, we’ve raised A$16 million [US$10.4 million],” she says. “That’s enabled us to deliver more than 32 million meals, which is truly amazing. We’ve hosted over 9,000 vulnerable guests and connected 1,000 business leaders to our cause.”

OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organization and the ultimate expression of Kahn’s desire to eliminate food waste and feed the hungry.

“Since starting the CEO CookOff 13 years ago, demand for our services has increased beyond what I could have imagined,” she says.

“We support 1,550 charities with food every week, and they could all take more to meet the need. This fundraising is essential to keep our wheels turning and make sure we get good food to those who need it most.”

An authentic way to give back

For the CEOs who join in the cooking, Kahn says it’s a chance to put their values into practice.

“In an era where authentic purpose matters more than ever, this event offers a unique chance to lead with purpose and heart,” she says.

“You’ll also experience something extraordinary that will give you a deep understanding of the struggles people are facing right now.”

There’s also the moment of truth, when the short-term chefs reveal their culinary creations to a delighted audience.

“The most rewarding part of the CEO CookOff is when you’ve created something utterly delicious, then you sit down to share it with the special guests we invite from the charities we support,” Kahn says.

“The leaders that have done this event before say this is the biggest eye-opener. It has a profound impact on everyone who takes part.”

And that includes the community.

“They love finding out who the chefs are,” she says. “There are lots of hugs and selfies as they get to meet them.”

With just 100 spots left, Kahn is encouraging culinary-curious CEOs to join in.

“You don’t need cooking skills, just a fundraising pledge and an appetite to create change,” she says.

“The CEO CookOff isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about demonstrating that great leadership means showing up – apron on, sleeves rolled up – when your community needs you most.”

Get involved in this unique and rewarding experience by securing your spot in the CEO CookOff here.