TGI WELCOMES NEW CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER, JIM SOJOODI

WESTCHESTER, IL – August 12, 2025 – The Grove, Inc. (TGI), prime airport food and beverage operator, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Sojoodi as its new Chief Legal Officer (CLO).

In this executive leadership role, Sojoodi will oversee all legal, compliance, and risk management functions, supporting TGI’s continued expansion within the dynamic and highly regulated airport environment. He will lead the company’s legal strategy across lease negotiations, corporate governance, franchise relationships, joint ventures, regulatory compliance, and ACDBE program support.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jim to our leadership team at The Grove,” said Nina Madonia, Chief Executive Officer of TGI. “Jim is a native Chicagoan and Stanford Law graduate with extensive experience in the transportation sector. His background in compliance, policy, and risk gives him a valuable perspective as The Grove continues to grow in the airport concessions space. Jim’s ability to lead with integrity, think strategically, and build strong partnerships makes him a great fit for where we’re headed.”

Sojoodi brings over 20 years of legal experience, most recently serving as Chief Attorney, Compliance, Policy & Risk at the Chicago Transit Authority, where he coordinated with all stakeholders to obtain Board approval for complex projects including the $5.3 billion Red Line Extension Project, addressed cybersecurity and data protection issues and trained employees on protection of data, drafted organizational policies, and advised executives on compliance with laws and organization polices. Sojoodi also has held roles at the law firms Kirkland & Ellis, Butler Rubin Saltarelli & Boyd, and Dewey & LeBoeuf as well as in the nonprofit sector at Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, has partnered with multiple organizations to assist pro bono clients, and earned degrees from Stanford Law School and the University of Illinois.

“I’m very excited to join The Grove, Inc. as Chief Legal Officer.  I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a great group of people at a first-class organization and look forward to contributing to TGI’s continued growth and success,” Sojoodi said.

TGI is committed to expanding opportunities in the airport concessions space through strong partnerships, innovative brands, and a deep dedication to excellence in operations and customer service.