Ben Liebmann
Founder, Understory
Founded in Copenhagen and with offices in Sydney, Understory works with the world’s leading creators, companies, and change-makers, to turn great ideas into powerful brands, businesses, and stories.
With over twenty years’ experience with companies including the internationally acclaimed Noma, five-times recognised as the world’s best restaurant, and media and entertainment powerhouses Shine Group, FremantleMedia and Warner Music Group, Ben brings executive leadership and expertise to diverse global partners and projects.
During his seven years as the COO at Noma, the business grew from a single restaurant into a diversified hospitality group, with global brand partnerships, sold-out residencies in Japan, Mexico, and Australia, media ventures with Hachette and Fifth Season, and investments across a range of international dining concepts. Ben also served as Board Member of MAD, the 501c3 non-profit referred to as “food world’s G-20” and “the Davos of food” by the Wall Street Journal.As Group CEO of Shine 360°, the commercial rights division of Shine Group, founded by Elisabeth Murdoch,
Ben worked across the company’s entire scripted and unscripted portfolio but is best known for leading the expansion of MasterChef from television franchise into a global brand and commercial powerhouse.
Understory works with international clients and partners including FOX Entertainment, Studio Ramsay Global, and BBC Studios, as well as acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs including René Redzepi, Jamie Oliver, Rosio Sanchez, Santiago Lastra, Richard Hart, Nat Wolf, and Malcolm Livingston II.
Ben is Executive Producer of Omnivore, the AppleTV+ docuseries with culinary visionary René Redzepi, acclaimed filmmaker Cary Fukunaga and global film and television studio Fifth Season.
When he’s not on the phone or behind a computer, Ben can usually be found at a restaurant or concert with his wife and daughter.