Appointments

Molly Coen has been appointed as Pastry Chef at Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel Valley Ranch is pleased to announce the appointment of an acclaimed culinary talent, Pastry Chef Molly Coen, to its signature restaurant, Valley Kitchen. Building on the restaurant's recent enhancements in 2024, the new chef is ushering in a bold new chapter for the Ranch's dining experience, focusing on hyper-seasonal, "seed-to-fork" California cuisine that celebrates the land.

Ty Thaxton has been appointed as Executive Chef at Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel Valley Ranch is pleased to announce the appointment of an acclaimed culinary talent, Executive Chef Ty Thaxton, to lead its signature restaurant, Valley Kitchen. Building on the restaurant's recent enhancements in 2024, the new chef is ushering in a bold new chapter for the Ranch's dining experience, focusing on hyper-seasonal, "seed-to-fork" California cuisine that celebrates the land.

Hector Espinosa has been appointed as Resort Executive Chef at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Hector Espinosa as Resort Executive Chef, effective November 3, 2025. With nearly two decades of culinary experience across luxury hotels, resorts, and private estates, Espinosa brings a refined global perspective and creative vision to the resort's award-winning dining program. As Resort Executive Chef, Chef Espinosa will oversee the resort's culinary program, including locally beloved and award-winning BALEEN Naples, known for inventive coastal cuisine and breathtaking Gulf views.

Paul Peddle has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Marriott Marquis Houston

Marriott Marquis Houston, the city's premier downtown hotel, announces Paul Peddle as its new Director of Food & Beverage. In this role, Peddle will oversee the hotel's five signature dining outlets, including Xochi by James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega, and Biggio's, the MLB legend-owned sports bar just steps from Daikan Park. He will also lead the hotel's extensive meetings and events culinary program, managing 52 banquet facilities across the 1,000-room property.

Reinaldo Sequera has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Hilton Los Cabos

Hilton Los Cabos, an oceanfront resort situated along one of Cabo's only cove-protected beaches, has announced Reinaldo Sequera as the resort's new food and beverage director. With more than a decade of hospitality experience, Sequera will manage the resort's day-to-day operations, overseeing the food and beverage team alongside resort veteran Executive Chef Mauricio Lopez, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences across all six (6) concepts offered on property. Sequera joins Hilton Los Cabos from Rosewood San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico where he served as food and beverage director. His visionary approach will further position Hilton Los Cabos as a premier Los Cabos culinary destination for travelers seeking elevated, one-of-a-kind Baja experiences.

Sergio Jimenez has been appointed as Executive Chef at L’Auberge Del Mar

L'Auberge Del Mar, an award-winning Noble House Hotels & Resorts property standing proudly in the heart of Del Mar, Calif., announced today the appointment of Sergio Jimenez as Executive Chef. Overseeing all culinary operations across the property, including the resort's signature oceanfront restaurant Adelaide, Jimenez brings a wealth of experience in luxury hospitality as he looks to further elevate the guest experience at the beloved resort.

Georgios Vasilopoulos has been appointed as Executive Chef at .Here Maldives

.Here Maldives, one of the newest ultra-luxury and most intimate private island resorts in the Maldives, is delighted to announce the appointment of Executive Chef Georgios Vasilopoulos. Chef Georgios will oversee the culinary vision across the resort's two islands, Somewhere and Nowhere, shaping a distinct gastronomic identity ahead of the property's highly anticipated opening in December 2025. 

Shingo Hayasaka has been appointed as Executive Chef at Halekulani Okinawa

Halekulani Okinawa, the only Double Five-Star luxury resort in Okinawa, today announces the appointment of Shingo Hayasaka as Executive Chef, effective Nov. 1, 2025. With over two decades of culinary experience, Chef Hayasaka is exceptionally positioned to lead and evolve the resort's award-winning dining venues, further cementing Halekulani Okinawa's reputation as one of Japan's finest luxury hotels.

Xavier Camacho has been appointed as Executive Chef at Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco

A San Francisco landmark and symbol of timeless elegance, the historic Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco, is proud to announce the hiring of Xavier Camacho as executive chef. In this new role, Chef Camacho will oversee the food and beverage programming at the property and lead a new team of culinary talents including executive sous chefs Paul Chadwick, Stan Lee, and Palace Hotel veteran Phu Nguy. As the hotel celebrates its 150th anniversary and looks forward to the property's next chapter, Chef Camacho will bring his unique perspective to the department and menu offerings.

Jose Saavedra has been appointed as Executive Chef at Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport

Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport today announced the appointment of Jose Saavedra as executive chef. A Miami local for more than two decades, Saavedra brings nearly 20 years of culinary experience across high-volume hotels and restaurants, overseeing daily operations, large-scale events, and multi-unit kitchens. He will lead the property's culinary and beverage program, elevating the guest experience at the hotel's signature restaurant, Grill 305.

Mattia Facheris has been appointed as Restaurant Chef at Palmerio at Four Seasons Resort Cabo Del Sol

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol announces the appointment of Mattia Facheris as Restaurant Chef at Palmerio, the resort's Mediterranean-inspired signature restaurant. With experience spanning fine-dining kitchens across the globe, Facheris brings a refined yet heartfelt culinary approach to the restaurant, one that marries his Italian heritage with the vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients of Baja California.

Vittorio Lepore has been appointed as Chef de Cuisine at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl

Verso, the Italian trattoria at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, known for its warm hospitality and authentic charm, welcomes a bold new chapter with the appointment of Chef Vittorio Lepore as Chef de Cuisine. With an exceptional culinary pedigree that includes the 3 Michelin Star appointed Noma and the 2 Michelin Star Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Chef Vittorio is poised to elevate the Italian dining scene in Abu Dhabi.