Placing a Top Executive Chef in Beirut

Client

An international upper luxury hotel group (small-scale, high-end brand) approached us with a specific challenge: to find an exceptional Executive Chef for their newly opened property in Beirut, Lebanon. The city offered a rich cultural setting and a sophisticated clientele. The hotel team was enthusiastic and loyal, yet still developing professionally. The request: a chef with outstanding culinary skills and the leadership and emotional intelligence to guide and grow the team.

Approach

‍We quickly realized this wasn’t a search for just another Michelin level technician. It required someone with heart, flexibility, and true leadership. During our network conversations in the Netherlands, we met a chef with years of experience under the wing of a Michelin starred master yet ready for a personal shift. His words stayed with us:
“I play Champions League every day. I’m ready for something truly different.”

Together, we explored his ambitions, leadership approach, and openness to a new cultural context. We knew this was the match and so did he.

Result

‍‍A chef in his early thirties, raised in a small Dutch village, took the leap and relocated to Beirut. Within weeks, he was embraced by the team, the ownership, and even the local community. His presence elevated both the culinary standard and the internal dynamic. The move became a pivotal moment in his life and career. Today, he continues to thrive internationally, now happily based in the Maldives.

Impact

- International placement within 6 weeks

- Cultural and organizational match confirmed by client

- Chef’s international career successfully launched

- Hotel elevated its culinary reputation in the region