Hozpitality Recognizes Excellence of 30 Best Food and Beverage Leaders in the Middle East
The Middle East's Food and Beverage (F&B) industry has long been a cornerstone of the region's hospitality sector, contributing significantly to its growth and global recognition. With a rich culinary heritage, cutting-edge dining concepts, and a surge in international influences, the F&B landscape in the Middle East has evolved into one of the world's most dynamic and competitive markets. The region's leaders in F&B play an essential role in shaping this vibrant industry, from managing world-class restaurants to spearheading sustainability initiatives and innovative dining experiences. Their leadership, creativity, and commitment to quality service continue to raise the bar for regional culinary excellence.
Hozpitality Group's "Hozpitality's Best 30" Initiative has become a hallmark of recognition for outstanding professionals in various departments within the hospitality industry, including F&B, housekeeping, front office, and general management. Hozpitality celebrates these leaders each year by giving them a platform to be acknowledged for their contributions and hard work. Candidates are nominated by their companies and later voted on by their industry peers, ensuring that only the most deserving individuals are recognized. The Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East represent the pinnacle of talent, dedication, and innovation in the region, significantly impacting both their companies and the industry at large. Their stories reflect the relentless pursuit of excellence in an ever-evolving field.
In addition to celebrating overall industry excellence, this powerlist also shines a spotlight on many women leaders who have excelled in leadership roles within the F&B sector. These women are not only reshaping the future of the industry but also setting powerful examples through their innovation, dedication, and leadership. Their presence on the list reinforces the increasing gender diversity in the hospitality industry, inspiring future generations of women to break barriers and reach new heights in this dynamic and competitive field.
This powerlist honors individuals and highlights the continuous evolution and collaborative spirit that drives the hospitality industry forward. Hozpitality Group aims to inspire the next generation of leaders through such initiatives while fostering a culture of recognition and professional development across the industry.
Here’s the list of Hozpitality’s Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East 2024 in alphabetical order:
Alexis Molatte, Food and Beverage Manager, Address Hotels
Assem Aouf, Director of Food & Beverage, Diplomat Radisson Blu – Bahrain
Basel Abboud, Director of Food & Beverage, Grand Millennium Al Wahda Abu Dhabi
Biljana Jovanovic, Multi Property Food & Beverage Director, St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - KSA
Chandana Nissanka, Cluster Food & Beverage Manager, Ramada by Wyndham Beach Hotel Ajman
Chiara Rosato, Director of Food & Beverage, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
Christophe Perringerard, Director of Food & Beverage, InterContinental Hotels Group -Muscat, Oman
Cynthia Portelli, Director of Food & Beverage, Park Hyatt Dubai
Elias Madi, Director of Operations In-charge of F&B, IHG Crowne plaza Riyadh Minhal
Floyd Gregory, Complex Food & Beverage Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road
Jahfer Sadikh, Head of Food and Beverage, JW Marriott Hotel Marina
Jusef El Mokdad, Director of Food and Beverage, Hilton Doha Hotel, Qatar
Luca Barba, Director of Food & Beverage, Waldorf Astoria - Kuwait
Mahendra Totoo, Director of Food & Beverage Novotel and ibis Abu Dhabi Gate Hotels
Maher Makdisi, F&B Operations Manager, Movenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel & Convention Centre Dubai
Manjula Fernando, Director of Food & Beverage, Movenpick Hotel & Residences Riyadh, KSA
Margaret Tlau, Director of Food & Beverage, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan
Mario Cittadini, Director of Food and Beverge, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Marion Ansart, Director of Food & Beverage, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi
Mohamed Shawky, Director of Food And Beverage, Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino - Cairo, EGYPT
Mohan Raj, F & B General Manager, Wafi Hospitality
Peter Van Den Berg, Food & Beverage Manager, voco Dubai
Petra Humphers, Cluster Director of Food & Beverage, JA Resorts & Hotels
Rajan Malik, Director of Operations, AB International Restaurants
Ruben Serra, Director of Food & Beverage, JW Marriott Hotel Muscat
Soumajit Chaki, F&B Manager, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel
Timothy Groeneweg, Director of Food & Beverage, Raffles the Palm
Vinay Madhav, F&B Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
Wentzel De Wet, Managing Director - International Cluster, Kitopi
Yogesh Prakash, Complex Director of Food & Beverage, W Dubai | The Westin | Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
Alexis Molatte
Food and Beverage Manager
Address Hotels
At the helm of the Food and Beverage department, Alexis leads a team of 56 dedicated colleagues, overseeing a diverse portfolio of dining experiences. From the All-Day Dining Restaurant and Lounge Bar to the Poolside Lounge, Patisserie, In-Room Dining, and Banquets, he manages a symphony of operations that work seamlessly to create extraordinary guest experiences.
Assem Aouf
Director of Food & Beverage
Diplomat Radisson Blu – Bahrain
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Assem has established himself as a dynamic and solution-oriented leader known for his expertise in food and beverage management and operational excellence.
Basel Abboud
Director of Food & Beverage
Grand Millennium Al Wahda Abu Dhabi
With over 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Basel Abboud has distinguished himself as a dynamic and results-driven leader in the GCC region's hospitality sector. Currently serving as the Director of Food & Beverage Basel oversees operations at one of the region's most prestigious hotel properties, managing up to eight outlets and expansive banquet and catering facilities and leading a team of 120 members.
Biljana Jovanovic
Multi Property Food & Beverage Director
St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – KSA
With over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, Biljana has led multiple high-profile openings and elevated dining experiences in top-tier properties.
Chandana Nissanka
Cluster Food & Beverage Manager
Ramada by Wyndham Beach Hotel Ajman
Chandana’s hospitality career began humbly as a waiter in Sri Lanka, but through dedication and a passion for excellence, Chandana rose to oversee complex operations at seven outlets across both hotels, including 24-hour room service and a private beach F&B outlet.
Chiara Rosato
Director of Food & Beverage
Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
Known for her energetic and creative leadership style, Chiara excels in managing large-scale F&B operations, business strategy, and project management within the hospitality industry.
Christophe Perringerard
Director of Food & Beverage
InterContinental Hotels Group - Muscat, Oman
With a career spanning over two decades, Christophe Perringerard has built a reputation as a visionary leader in the hospitality industry, Christophe has continuously demonstrated his ability to enhance operations and inspire teams, making him one of the most respected figures in the F&B sector in the Middle East.
Cynthia Portelli
Director of Food & Beverage
Park Hyatt Dubai
With more than a decade of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, Cynthia has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise at leading luxury hotels across Dubai.
Elias Madi
Director of Operations in charge of F&B
IHG Crowne Plaza Riyadh Minhal
With over 18 years of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, Elias brings expertise and leadership to his role. His tenure includes high-profile positions at internationally renowned hotels such as InterContinental Al Ain Resort, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Dubai, and Shangri-La Hotel Dubai.
Floyd Gregory
Complex Food & Beverage Manager
Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road
Throughout his career, Floyd has played a pivotal role in opening more than six hotels, where his expertise in crafting master plans and concepts for restaurants, bars, and lounges has shone through. He is adept at developing operational manuals and policies, underscoring his hands-on approach and commitment to reaching the pinnacle of the industry.
Jahfer Sadikh
Head of Food and Beverage
JW Marriott Hotel Marina
With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Jahfer has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a keen ability to manage complex food and beverage operations.
Jusef El Mokdad
Director of Food and Beverage
Hilton Doha
With over 20 years of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, Jusef has built an exceptional career managing high-profile multi-outlet operations across Europe and the Middle East.
Luca Barba
Director of Food & Beverage
Waldorf Astoria – Kuwait
Luca’s remarkable journey has taken him through some of the finest luxury establishments across the Middle East and Europe, where he has been instrumental in driving excellence across multi-outlet operations.
Mahendra Totoo
Director of Food & Beverage
Novotel and ibis Abu Dhabi Gate Hotels
With over 23 years of dedicated experience in the hospitality industry, Mahendra's career reflects his passion, leadership, and expertise in food and beverage management.
Maher Makdisi
F&B Operations Manager
Movenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel & Convention Centre Dubai
With over 21 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Maher is known for his dynamic and results-oriented approach to food and beverage operations. Known for his ability to lead high-performing teams and ensure operational excellence, Maher oversees daily food and beverage operations, event planning, staff coordination, and maintaining exceptional service standards.
Manjula Fernando
Director of Food & Beverage
Movenpick Hotel & Residences Riyadh, KSA
With a strong commitment to excellence, Manjula's innovative approach and leadership have significantly impacted the culinary landscape in the region.
Manjula Fernando has been at the forefront of F&B management for several years, currently serving as the Director of F&B and Master Alchemist for Accor's premium, midscale, and economy hotels in Saudi Arabia.
Margaret Tlau
Director of Food & Beverage
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan
With over a decade of diverse experience, Margaret has played pivotal roles in various esteemed hotels and resorts across the UAE and internationally. Since joining Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC, Margaret has steadily risen through the ranks, thanks to her dedication to operational excellence, leadership development, and food safety management.
Mario Cittadini
Director of Food and Beverage
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Mario has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence and innovation in food and beverage management.
Mario's culinary journey began in Italy, where he co-owned the Michelin-starred restaurant Ristorante Il Postale. This early experience laid the groundwork for his exceptional culinary skills and deep understanding of fine dining.
Marion Ansart
Director of Food & Beverage
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi
With a remarkable career spanning multiple continents, Marion has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.
Marion's journey in the hospitality sector began with a focus on providing exceptional dining experiences. Since joining Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in July 2022, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing the hotel's food and beverage offerings, ensuring that guests receive high-quality meals and memorable dining experiences.
Mohamed Shawky
Director of Food and Beverage
Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino - Cairo, Egypt
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he exemplifies a results-oriented approach to food and beverage management.
A highly motivated leader, Mohamed has built a career defined by his ability to manage complex operations and drive revenue growth while consistently exceeding guest expectations. His extensive experience across diverse cultures fuels his passion for creating innovative F&B concepts catering to a wide clientele range.
Mohan Raj
F & B General Manager
Wafi Hospitality
As a founding member and cornerstone of Wafi Restaurants, Mohan has dedicated over 33 years to shaping the growth and success of the company.
Since joining the Wafi Group in 1991, Mohan has exhibited unparalleled expertise and vision in leading his team. His commitment to excellence in the culinary industry has been instrumental in establishing Wafi Restaurants as a renowned name synonymous with quality and innovation. Under his guidance, the establishment has thrived and set benchmarks in service and culinary experiences.
Peter Van Den Berg
Food & Beverage Manager
voco Dubai
With an impressive 18 years of hospitality experience, including 15 years in F&B management and five distinguished years with IHG Hotels and Resorts, Peter exemplifies seasoned leadership and a deep-rooted expertise in the industry. His contributions to voco® Dubai have driven significant advancements in both financial performance and guest satisfaction.
Petra Humphers
Cluster Director of Food & Beverage
JA Resorts & Hotels
With extensive international experience in the hospitality industry, Petra is committed to delivering the highest level of individualized luxury service.
In her current role, which she has held since June 2019, Petra oversees the Food & Beverage operations across multiple properties within JA Resorts & Hotels. Her leadership is characterized by a focus on innovation and a deep understanding of guest expectations, enabling her to enhance the overall dining experience.
Rajan Malik
Director of Operations
AB International Restaurants
With 15 years of dynamic experience in the food and beverage industry, Rajan has established himself as a dedicated professional, particularly with Asha's Restaurant International Limited. Recently, he served as a panel judge for the "All India Food Competition" at the India Club in Dubai, showcasing his commitment to culinary excellence.
Ruben Serra
Director of Food & Beverage
JW Marriott Hotel Muscat
Ruben began his career in the hospitality industry nearly 20 years ago as a hobby, but it quickly transformed into a passion. His love for meeting diverse people and experiencing different environments fueled his commitment to this dynamic field. To formalize his skills, he attended the School of Hospitality and Tourism of Algarve, graduating with a Restaurant/Bar course in 2006.
Soumajit Chaki
F&B Manager
Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel
Since joining Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel in October 2021, Soumajit has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in his role, significantly contributing to the hotel's success and sustainability. Over the past two and a half years, he has led the Food & Beverage team with a focus on enhancing guest satisfaction. By meticulously analyzing guest feedback and questionnaires, Soumajit has improved the overall dining experience, resulting in positive reviews and strengthened customer loyalty.
Timothy Groeneweg
Director of Food & Beverage
Raffles the Palm
With a wealth of experience spanning various high-profile establishments, Timothy has established himself as a highly resourceful and reliable professional. He possesses a profound understanding of the bar and restaurant sectors and the communication skills necessary to engage guests and drive sales. His approachable and cheerful personality ensures that every guest enjoys a memorable experience characterized by relaxation and enjoyment.
Vinay Madhav
F&B Manager
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
With over 15 years of experience in the F&B sector at 5-star hotels across Dubai and India, Vinay Madhav is celebrated for his leadership and operational expertise. His consistently delivering exceptional results has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career.
Wentzel De Wet
Managing Director - International Cluster
Kitopi
In his role as Managing Director, Wentzel oversees the expansion of Kitopi’s regional and global footprint. He is instrumental in driving brand acquisitions and enhancing operational excellence. Wentzel initially joined Kitopi as a Senior Brand Manager on the global growth team, where his strategic insights and leadership led to a promotion to Operations & Business Excellence Director.
Yogesh Prakash
Complex Director of Food & Beverage
W Dubai | The Westin | Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
In this position, he oversees the F&B operations across these luxury resorts, ensuring the highest standards of service and innovation. His leadership spans a wide array of dining experiences, including high-end restaurants, beach clubs, and large-scale event catering.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE