Jumeirah hires Michelin Guides exec in F&B strategy shift

Jumeirah Group has appointed Michelin Restaurant and Hotel Guides executive Michael Ellis as its new chief culinary officer highlighting a shift in F&B strategy at the hospitality group. 

As part of the new strategy unveiled by Jumeirah Group CEO José Silva, the Dubai-based hospitality firm will launch new restaurant concepts and refresh existing outlets.

This is not the first time Jumeirah Group has appointed someone from the Michelin Guide for an F&B role; in 2014, Jean-Luc Naret, who was managing director of Michelin Guides joined Jumeirah Group as its senior VP of F&B and managing director of Jumeirah Restaurant Group. He left in 2015.

In a newly create role, Ellis, who was Michelin Restaurant and Hotel Guides’ global director for Europe, Asia and the Americas, will “refresh and elevate Jumeirah’s restaurant offerings throughout its luxury portfolio”, according to Silva.

Silva said in a release: “Michael and I share a deep passion for food and dining experiences. He is a renowned epicure with 40 years’ experience, and a champion of food innovators, chef talent and culinary excellence. He has spent his lifetime championing extraordinary food with absolute dedication and has been responsible for introducing dining and food experiences to new audiences across the globe. His appointment is the cornerstone of the vision to put dining at the center of Jumeirah’s luxury experience.”

With the introduction of the role of chief culinary officer, Jumeirah is preparing for a step-change in its F&B strategy, according to the release.

Silva was also quoted as saying: “Michael brings to Jumeirah a depth of understanding for culinary that cannot be surpassed. It is an honour to welcome Michael to lead the culinary team.”