Wentzel De Wet, Managing Director, International Cluster, Kitopi Recognized in Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East for 2024
Wentzel has made major contributions to the food and beverage industry, particularly by fostering expansion and innovation inside one of the region's most active culinary companies.
Wentzel De Wet, Managing Director of the International Cluster at Kitopi, has been celebrated as one of Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East for 2024. This accolade acknowledges Wentezel’s significant contributions to the food and beverage industry, particularly in driving growth and innovation within one of the region's most dynamic culinary organizations.
Founded in Dubai in January 2018, Kitopi has quickly established itself as a leader in creating and partnering for exceptional food experiences. With over 5,000 employees and more than 200 locations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, Kitopi is dedicated to fulfilling the world’s appetite and creating joy through food. The company manages a diverse portfolio of invested and franchised brands, enabling them to scale in both the delivery and dine-in sectors. Kitopi’s global operations include a Customer Experience Center in Dubai, an Engineering Hub in Krakow, Poland, and a Robotics Hub in Odense, Denmark.
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. Under his guidance, the Saudi brand Shobak has significantly improved its performance and expanded its reach, reflecting Wentzel’s commitment to operational success and brand development.
Before his tenure at Kitopi, Wentzel served as Managing Partner at SISBAN, where he played a crucial role in expanding and developing several brands, including Habra, Lunchroom, Gunbun, and Chestnut across the Middle East and the United Kingdom. His extensive experience in the GCC over the past decade has equipped him with invaluable insights into the market, having previously led operations in Al Ghalia, Bahrain, and as Head of Operations in Qatar for Ali bin Ali.
Wentzel’s academic credentials support his expertise in hospitality management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Johannesburg and a Diploma in Business Management from James Madison University.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE