Darina Garland

Darina Garland is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Ooni, a company renowned for its innovative outdoor pizza ovens. She has played a pivotal role in the company's growth and development since its inception in 2012, when she and her partner, Kristian Tapaninaho, transitioned from their previous venture, Suklaa, to focus on Ooni after Kristian's passion for pizza-making inspired them to create a better cooking solution. Under her leadership, Ooni has expanded into a multi-award-winning business with offices across several countries, including the UK, USA, Germany, and China.135

Garland's background is rooted in education; before co-founding Ooni, she directed Suklaa, an organization dedicated to educational events and consultancy.25 This experience has informed her approach to leadership at Ooni, where she emphasizes community building and inclusivity. She is particularly passionate about creating a positive workplace culture and championing women's representation in the pizza industry.134

In addition to her role at Ooni, Garland is known for her commitment to social responsibility. The company donates 1% of its global revenue to social and environmental causes, reflecting her belief that businesses should operate with purpose and contribute positively to society.13 Her work has garnered recognition not only for Ooni's product innovation but also for its cultural impact within the food industry.