Arash Azarbarzin has been named Board Trustee at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) named three new trustees to its board during its October annual meeting: Arash Azarbarzin, Kyle Connaughton, and Adam Crocini.
Arash Azarbarzin is a CIA graduate with over 40 years of hospitality experience. Currently, as Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Highgate, Azarbarzin oversees the growth of the company's global hotel portfolio, its industry relationships and internal culture. Additionally, Azarbarzin leads the ongoing development of Highgate's environmental, social, and corporate governance strategy, the company's specialized food and beverage division, and its internal branding/marketing groups. He has always felt that the heart and soul of a hotel is its Food and Beverage offerings, and he is honored to join the board of the CIA, whose program originally fostered his passion for hospitality.
Kyle Connaughton is a celebrated chef, culinary educator, and owner of the three-Michelin-starred SingleThread Farm-Restaurant-Inn in Healdsburg, CA. His commitment to excellence and passion for locally sourced, high-quality cuisine is matched only by his passion for supporting the next generation of chefs. Connaughton is a former faculty member and longtime supporter of the CIA and helped develop curriculum for the CIA's culinary science bachelor's degree program. Most recently, he helped design the CIA's new Master's in Culinary Arts program and serves as one of the program's culinary mentors.
Adam Crocini is a CIA graduate and is senior vice president and global head of food and beverage brands at Hilton. In this position, Crocini oversees the strategy and development for food and beverage for Hilton's 22 brands globally from concept through creation. He has over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industries, which includes a 12-year tenure with the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group and ten years living in Singapore working with Marina Bay Sands. Prior to joining Hilton, Crocini worked at Capella Hotel Group as Corporate Vice President of Operations, driving the strategic planning of all new restaurant, bar, and spa concepts as well as property design and development. His longstanding support, connections, and passion for the hospitality business will be an asset to the CIA.
"These new board members share our commitment to keeping the culinary and hospitality industries vibrant, sustainable, and resilient for decades to come," said CIA President, Tim Ryan. "Their leadership, experience, and forward-thinking mindsets will help ensure the CIA continues to be the gold standard in culinary education."
The CIA's Board of Trustees consists of 22 highly respected leaders in the foodservice industry and business world. They provide expert governance and guidance for the not-for-profit college and are not compensated for their services.