Mark Dayanandan has been appointed as Executive Chef at Hilton Austin
Hilton Austin has named Mark Dayanandan as executive chef, welcoming him back to the 801-room downtown property he helped open in 2003. With more than 40 years of culinary experience spanning six countries and multiple hotel brands, Chef Mark previously led the hotel’s culinary team as executive chef for 12 years. Bringing a global perspective to his diners, Chef Mark will lead the hotel’s banquet and culinary operations – including events of up to 1,760 seated guests – alongside the property’s Cannon + Belle and Austin Taco Project restaurants.
Born and raised in England, Chef Mark was surrounded by a family of cooks and fell in love with the food and beverage industry when he became a busboy at the age of 13. Following a three-year apprenticeship program and earning a Canadian Red Seal certification in culinary arts from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Chef Mark continued to hone his craft on an international level, becoming a critiquing member of the Les Amis d’Escoffier Society of New York and reinventing himself with each professional advancement.
Chef Mark’s passion and global perspective – shaped by overseas relocations to Germany, Belgium, and Norway and leadership roles held at international hotels – have led him to notable opportunities on high-profile stages, including the Grammy® Awards, and to serving distinguished clientele ranging from former U.S. presidents and a member of the British Royal Family to several iconic celebrities.
Leading by example, Chef Mark plans to utilize his mastery of traditional and modern cooking techniques to develop food and beverage menus while training and mentoring Hilton Austin’s aspiring chefs in the art of complexity, presentation, and attention to detail – all of which he believes are key factors to ensuring consistent and exceptional dining experiences at every guest touchpoint.
On Wednesday, April 29, Chef Mark will represent Hilton Austin during Visit Austin Foundation’s Give Back Gig, working alongside prominent Austin chefs and students from Travis Early College High School to share a curated tasting experience with the local culinary and hospitality community.