Appointments

Carmine di Luggo has been appointed as Executive Chef at Raffles Jeddah

Raffles Jeddah, the city's most anticipated new luxury destination, has announced the appointment of Carmine di Luggo as Executive Chef. An accomplished Italian culinary leader, Chef Carmine brings more than 25 years of international experience across Italy, Germany, the UK, Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Hungary. A graduate of I.P.S.S.A.R "Luigi dei Medici" with a Culinary & Restaurant Diploma, he has built his career in Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels, mastering classic European techniques infused with global influences.

Andrea Ferrandi has been appointed as Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle welcomes Chef Andrea Ferrandi as Executive Chef. A Four Seasons veteran with more than 15 years of culinary experience at luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, Andrea will lead all culinary operations at the downtown hotel, including Goldfinch Tavern in partnership with Ethan Stowell; INFINITY pool + bar in the summer months; catering and events; and in-room dining.

Kevin Rowe has been appointed as Director of Food and Drinks at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Nestled within the highly sought-after beachfront destination, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island welcomes Kevin Rowe as the new Director of Food and Drinks. Now overseeing the property's 13 distinctive bars and restaurants, his understanding of regional tastes, personal experience with Hilton, and creative edge will ensure each concept not only meets but exceeds evolving guest expectations.

Peter Lai has been appointed as Executive Chef at Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach is excited to announce the appointment of Peter Lai as Executive Chef of Splashes. With more than 20 years of experience across Southern California's most acclaimed kitchens, Chef Lai brings bold creativity, refined technique, and a globally inspired approach to coastal cuisine, further enhancing Splashes' reputation as one of Laguna Beach's premier oceanfront dining experiences.

Joel Viehland has been appointed as Executive Chef at El Encanto, Santa Barbara

El Encanto, the historic landmark perched in the hills of Santa Barbara's Riviera district, is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Joel Viehland as Executive Chef. In his role, Viehland oversees all of the hotel's culinary experiences, including The Dining Room and Terrace with sweeping ocean views, the bar program, weekend brunch, in-room dining, and special events, bringing a fresh vision to one of Santa Barbara's most beloved destinations.

Nat Thaipun has been named Food & Beverage Ambassador at Accor

Pullman Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce a new culinary partnership with Nat Thaipun, celebrated chef and winner of MasterChef Australia 2024. As Food & Beverage Ambassador for Pullman in Australia, New Zealand and across Asia, Chef Thaipun will bring her creative flair and cultural influences to an exciting series of dining experiences throughout the region.

Preston Nguyen has been appointed as Executive Chef at Caravan Court, by Valencia Hotel Collection

Caravan Court, by Valencia Hotel Collection, opening in Arlington, Texas spring of 2026, proudly announces Preston Nguyen as its new executive chef. Recently featured on Food Network's hit show Beat Bobby Flay, Nguyen showcased his culinary talent on the national stage, underscoring his profile in the industry. He now brings that same creativity and bold vision to Caravan Court, by Valencia Hotel Collection, setting the stage for a mid-century classic American dining experience that will debut with the hotel's highly anticipated opening.

Shivram Verma has been appointed as Food & Beverage Manager at Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks

Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks is pleased to announce that Shivram Verma has been appointed as the new Food & Beverage Manager. His extensive expertise in food and beverage operations and dedication to enhancing the guest experience will further strengthen the property's leadership team.With over a decade of experience at some of India's most prestigious hotels and resorts, Shivram has built a strong record of driving operational excellence, improving guest satisfaction, and delivering revenue growth. In his most recent role, at The Orchid Hotel, Mumbai, heading Food & Beverage, he supervised six restaurants, lounges, and large banquet operations, achieving significant revenue growth while upgrading service standards. Before this, he held key roles at Sheraton Grand Brigade Gateway, The Leela Palace Jaipur, Radisson Blu Plaza Hyderabad, Byg Brewski Brewing Company Bengaluru, and Taj Rambagh Palace Jaipur.

Michelle Hacker has been appointed as General Manager at La Monique at Oceana Santa Monica

Oceana Santa Monica's newest design-forward French brasserie, La Monique, announces the appointment of Michelle Hacker as general manager. With nearly a decade of hospitality experience, Hacker has distinguished herself as a dynamic leader, guiding teams to deliver exceptional service across elevated dining, luxury hotels and high-volume nightlife concepts. She joins La Monique from h.wood Group, where she oversaw operations as general manager, developing training programs, elevating service standards and driving profitability through strategic financial and operational oversight. Prior to, Hacker was the floor manager at Tap 42 Sports Bar where she refined her expertise in customer satisfaction and inventory management. Bringing a proven ability to craft memorable guest experiences and cultivate high-performing teams, Hacker steps into her role at a pivotal moment as La Monique prepares to debut on October 11. Hacker's leadership marks the beginning of a new, transformative chapter for Oceana Santa Monica, launching a bold era of innovation and elevated fine dining at the new onsite restaurant, La Monique.

Ruthline Theysen has been appointed as Complex Director of Food & Beverage at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Effective October 1, 2025, Ruthline Theysen has been appointed Complex Director of Food & Beverage. In this pivotal role, she will oversee all food and beverage operations across the complex, leading a team of over 500 associates across 15 restaurants and bars, banquets, events, culinary, and in-room dining. Her focus will center on driving strategic initiatives, enhancing service standards, and elevating the guest dining experience throughout the resort.

Brian Hayes has been appointed as Corporate Executive Chef at Brittain Resorts

Brittain Resorts & Hotels, a leading hospitality management company with a growing portfolio of award-winning properties throughout the Southeast, today announced the addition of a senior leader to its executive team. This appointment underscores the company's continued growth trajectory and its commitment to investing in world-class leadership that drives operational excellence, strengthens team culture, and elevates the guest experience.