October 2025 – Bellevue, Wash. — Transforming Age is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Perez as Vice President of Culinary Services and President of peace love food, the organization’s culinary innovation and consulting arm dedicated to helping organizations achieve excellence in dining, service, and hospitality.
With more than 25 years of experience across senior living, fine dining, and hospitality, Perez brings an extraordinary blend of culinary creativity, operational expertise, and leadership that aligns perfectly with Transforming Age’s mission to create unlimited possibilities for older adults.
“Food is a cornerstone of longevity,” said Torsten Hirche, President and CEO of Transforming Age. “What and how we eat profoundly influences how long and how well we live. Matt’s leadership and deep hospitality experience will help us advance innovative culinary solutions that not only delight the senses but also promote vitality, healthspan, and joy throughout the aging journey. Under his direction, peace love food will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in food, wellness, and longevity.”
In his dual role, Perez will oversee all aspects of Transforming Age’s culinary and hospitality strategy while leading peace love food in its mission to provide healthy nutrition and longevity culinary solutions to our aging society as well as to support partner organizations seeking to enhance their culinary & hospitality programs. His vision will focus on integrating healthy nutrition, sustainability, innovation, and exceptional guest experiences across every touchpoint of dining.
Recognized in 2025 by Marquis Who’s Who for his contributions to senior living and hospitality, Perez is also a Certified Hospitality Trainer with the Forbes Travel Guide, a distinction that underscores his commitment to world-class service and team development. He has held key leadership positions including Vice President of Hospitality at Volante Senior Living, National Director of Hospitality Operations at MBK Senior Living, and Vice President of Hospitality at Valeo Groupe. Earlier in his career, he served as Executive Chef Partner at TS Restaurants in Hawaii and California, where he developed a passion for authentic, community-driven dining experiences.
“I’m honored to join Transforming Age and lead peace love food into its next chapter,” said Perez. “Dining is about more than a meal — it’s about belonging, joy, and wellbeing. Through innovation and collaboration, we’ll continue to elevate culinary experiences that enrich lives and inspire connection across the communities we serve.”
Perez’s leadership is also grounded in a deep respect for sustainability and stewardship. His efforts in environmentally responsible operations earned him the Green Restaurant of the Year Award (35th District, Huntington Beach, California), presented by Senator Tom Harmon.
“Matt’s leadership brings both vision and heart,” said Ken Noreen, Chief Operating Officer at Transforming Age. “He has a proven ability to build high-performing teams and drive innovation while staying true to the values that make Transforming Age unique. We’re thrilled to have him lead this exciting phase of our culinary evolution.”
Through Perez’s guidance, peace love food will continue to serve as a center of excellence within the Transforming Age network — offering consulting, training, and partnership solutions that promote culinary innovation, operational excellence, and wellbeing for older adults and the broader hospitality industry.
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About peace love food
Founded in 2012, peace love food is a culinary consulting practice dedicated to helping organizations in senior living, hospitality, and foodservice achieve excellence through creative menu development, operational strategy, and training. Now part of the Transforming Age network, peace love food empowers organizations to elevate dining experiences that foster joy, connection, and wellness.