Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Robert Ancill’s journey into the world of hospitality and design began at the young age of 16, when he took his first as a doorman at a high end bar and  restaurant in Glasgow. That early introduction to the pace, energy, and theatricality of restaurant life sparked a lifelong passion for the industry. But it wasn’t just the operations that captivated him, it was the atmosphere, the ambiance, the ability of design to shape experience and emotion. From the outset, Ancill saw restaurants not only as places to eat but as immersive, emotional spaces that reflect culture and creativity.

Driven by this dual passion for hospitality and design, Robert rose quickly through the ranks. He was appointed Head of Restaurant Design at a remarkably early stage in his career, a testament to his vision, leadership, and intuitive understanding of consumer behavior and spatial storytelling. In this role, he pioneered one of the first-ever department store celebrity chef dining concepts in collaboration with renowned French chef Albert Roux. This trailblazing initiative was launched in London and successfully rolled out across the UK, influencing the future of food and retail integration.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Robert worked with a range of high-profile food and beverage brands. His portfolio includes landmark projects with Aroma Cafés, eventually acquired by McDonald’s, Bentley’s of Piccadilly, and Panera Bread, among others. His reputation for blending commercial strategy with creative innovation positioned him as a leading consultant and visionary in the restaurant and hospitality sector.

In 2002, Robert founded The Next Idea, an international concept development consultancy based in Los Angeles. What began as a boutique agency has since evolved into a global force in design and brand development. Under Robert’s leadership, The Next Idea has consulted on restaurant and hotel projects in 22 countries, delivering brand strategies, concept development, and full design packages for a diverse portfolio of clients. Over the course of his career, Robert has overseen the opening or renovation of more than 800 restaurant locations across the world.

Today, Robert Ancill serves as CEO of The Next Idea Group, where he continues to lead global innovation in hospitality design and development. He also holds the position of Chairman of Heritage Restaurant Consultants, a firm focused on preserving and modernizing historic and legacy restaurant brands as well as providing advisory services in restaurant AI and robot-employee integration. In addition to these leadership roles, Robert is an active board advisor to several cutting-edge companies, including Atmosfy, a rapidly growing AI-powered experience discovery platform.

Launching in Fall 2025, Robert will unveil a visionary book trilogy beginning in September. The first two volumes dive deep into the evolving worlds of restaurant marketing and design—unpacking the latest trends, disruptive innovations, and future-facing technologies shaping the hospitality landscape. The third book offers a vivid, behind-the-scenes look at Robert’s global journey as a restaurant consultant, sharing the cultural insights, design revelations, and unforgettable stories that have defined his international career.

Whether he’s guiding startups through the complex journey of launching a new concept or helping legacy brands reinvent themselves for modern audiences, Robert Ancill brings decades of expertise, creative clarity, and a global perspective. His work continues to shape the way people dine, gather, and experience hospitality in the 21st century.

Robert’s present Corporate and Non Profit positions: