Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, renowned for its commitment to unparalleled hospitality, is pleased to introduce Luigi Vespero as the newly appointed Cluster Director of Food and Beverage, signaling a significant addition to the hotels’ leadership team. In this role, he will oversee all aspects of the culinary operations across the distinguished properties of Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Ajman, and Fujairah, leading the culinary teams in all of the hotels dining venues. In a career spanning 25 years in the hospitality industry, Luigi brings with him extensive experience in culinary management and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences.
With a dynamic background, Luigi has honed his skills alongside renowned chefs with Michelin awards, including working at Gordon Ramsay Holdings in London, where he served as Senior Chef de Partie. His leadership journey continued as Director of F&B and Culinary Operations at the Waldorf Astoria, DIFC, Dubai in 2021, and as Cluster Head Chef at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in 2013 to 2016. Notably, Luigi also held the esteemed position of Group Director of F&B at Gargash Group in 2023, overseeing a diverse portfolio of brands across the UAE and UK, including The Artisan, Weslodge Saloon, Hotel Cartagena, and Farzi.
Throughout his career, Luigi has garnered significant recognition for his culinary success, earning accolades such as The Power List ‘Executive Chef’ in Hotelier Middle East 2021, and Most Commented Executive Chef of the Year in Hotelier Middle East 2020. Additionally, he has been honored with the Culinary Excellence Award in Hospitality Middle East 2019 and named Chef of the Year in BBC Good Food Middle East 2018, among numerous other prestigious awards. With his unparalleled expertise and distinguished track record, Luigi Vespero is set to make a lasting mark as the Cluster Director of Food and Beverage at Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Ajman, and Fujairah.
Luigi Vespero, with his visionary leadership and profound expertise, will play a pivotal role in propelling the hotels’ F&B department towards new horizons of culinary innovation, guest satisfaction and operational excellence. In response to his recent appointment, Luigi Vespero expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “I am delighted to be joining the esteemed Fairmont team across Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Ajman, and Fujairah. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to showcase culinary craftsmanship and uphold the renowned culinary expertise that is synonymous with Fairmont. My commitment remains steadfast in delivering remarkable dining experiences and turning moments into memories for each guest.”
Also commenting on this, General Manager of Fairmont Dubai Joe Nassoura said, “F&B remains at the heart of what we do, and this appointment reflects our ongoing efforts to bring exceptional food and beverage experiences to our guests each day. We believe that with his wide experience in the hospitality industry, Luigi will bring some fresh ideas to the table and a new approach to team training and service delivery, which will in turn contribute to our efforts in giving memorable experiences to guests.” Adding to this, Cluster General Manager of Fairmont Ajman and Fujairah, Elias Chakhtoura, mentions “Our resorts have already made marks as must-visited destinations for curated experiences. I am excited to see Luigi’s leadership take our culinary offerings to a world-class league. Having had extensive, hands-on experience across the Middle East, Luigi has a well-rounded global exposure and understanding of luxury and leisure guests and would certainly add immense value to the existing team”.
Luigi Vespero’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, coupled with his ability to oversee various aspects of F&B operations, positions him as an invaluable asset in steering Fairmont Hotels towards continued success. His appointment as the Cluster Director of Food and Beverage Experiences reflects Fairmont’s commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences.