Michael Ellis has been appointed chief culinary officer at Jumeirah Group.
The creation of this new role is an initial milestone in new chief executive José Silva’s strategy to refresh and elevate Jumeirah’s restaurant offerings throughout its luxury portfolio.
It is seen as a first step in delivering his vision to put dining as a core pillar of the company’s experience, and its strongest market differentiator.
Ellis joins from Michelin Restaurant & Hotel Guides where he was global director for Europe, Asia and the Americas.
An advocate for the restaurant industry and an American native with a global workplace, Ellis has an unmatched understanding of destination restaurants.
He will focus on developing new restaurant concepts, attracting and upskilling culinary talent, and enhancing existing restaurants to industry-leading levels.
Silva commented: “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 centre of Jumeirah’s luxury experience.”
With the introduction of the role of chief culinary officer, Jumeirah is preparing for a step-change in its food and beverage strategy and with the support and drive of Ellis will look to shake the norms, drive creativity and reinvigorate its gastronomic experiences, reinforcing Jumeirah as a national champion.
Ellis commented: “José has a bold and exciting vision to energise the hospitality industry.
“The kitchen is where revolutions happen and as a creative culinary thinker I am delighted to have an opportunity to test my own, and the team’s, drive for culinary innovation.
“Jumeirah is synonymous with Dubai; a city that has made the impossible possible, which led the world in many firsts, and I am excited by this zealous can-do spirit.
“I have dedicated much of my life to the culinary experience and as José takes Jumeirah’s hotels into the next phase of dynamic growth, I am looking forward to bringing my passion for great food and dining to Jumeirah’s guests.”