Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, a trend-setting leader in the hospitality industry, has welcomed four talented members to its leadership team.

Focused at uplifting food and beverage offerings, the hotel’s newly appointed executive assistant manager- food and beverage, Carlo Javakhia, brings over 20 years of experience across famous hospitality addresses in Europe’s and Middle East’s hospitality sectors. A result-oriented team player who thinks outside the box, Javakhia believes in leading by example. Passionate about innovating novel guest experiences. “My business is all about people,” Javakhia commented. The multi-lingual professional speaks fluent English, French, Russian, Greek and Georgian. He is an expert in every aspect of the food and beverage - from being a previous chef to valuation, strategic planning and execution. Javakhia believes in staying ahead of the curve, always on the lookout for new ways to improve his customers' experience and exceed their expectations. “We have been successful for many years but with the evolving hospitality trends, now is the time to take it to the next level. The new team at Le Méridien Dubai combines diverse professional experiences and cultures and together, we will focus our efforts to renew the experiences that guests enjoy at our hotel,” said Javakhia.

Sharing the executive assistant manager’s passion is Ramon Salto who has taken the helm as the F&B director for Le Méridien Dubai. With more than 20 years of experience in managing diverse kitchen operations, Salto has previously led teams at The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon Hotel & Residences, Delhi, Hotel W Doha and Radisson Blu, Kuwait, in addition to heading kitchen operations in London, Spain, France and US. Admired and respected for his leadership skills, Salto also has a deep understanding of customer service and is constantly innovating and experimenting with inventive culinary techniques. “My passion for cooking extends beyond the professional kitchen. As a previous head chef, I’ve always channelised my skills towards making every guest feel special when they dine at any of the hotel’s 18 distinct outlets."

Matching the F&B director’s zest and endeavour is executive chef, Dominic Petzold. Backed by years of experience in Europe and over 10 years of experience in the UAE, Petzold is a strong team player with exceptional leadership skills. He believes in leading from the trenches. Prior to joining the team at Le Meridien Dubai, Petzold led kitchen teams at The Westin and Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, JW Marriott Hotel, among others across the UAE. Chef Petzold’s illustrious career highlights his understanding of different cultures to cater to guests of different nationalities and age groups. With a vision to take the hotel’s success to the next level, Chef Petzold aims to exceed goals while efficiently managing and leading the operations of food and beverage departments. “Warehouse and Yalumba Friday brunches juggle more than just food. They are an experience,” he said.

Francisco Javier Martin Romo, who joins the team as beverage manager for the complex, opines that a memorable dining experience is a balanced combination of the right type of beverages with food. He is well versed in the study of spirits, with prestigious certifications from WSET, UK. Romo brings 19 years of experience to his new role at Le Méridien Dubai. Passionate about creating exceptional beverage and food pairings, Romo made his début in Le Meridien Dubai when he chose none other than the city’s much-loved restaurant, Casa Mia in which to progress from the restaurant manager to the complex beverage manager. In his new role, he is looking forward to hosting the perfect wine tasting events and guiding the guests to pair different varieties of grapes and spirits with their selection of food, resulting in an unforgettable dining experience.

“With great excitement, we welcome Le Méridien Dubai’s new team to our senior leadership. Their diverse hospitality experience and world-class talent is a formidable combination that will go a long way in elevating and innovating the hotel’s unique F&B offerings in a city as dynamic as Dubai,” said Shaun Parsons, complex general manager, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Center and Le Méridien Fairway. - TradeArabia News Service