The Waldorf Astoria DIFC has named a new head chef following Luigi Vespero’s move up to director of F&B and culinary. Selim Ay rises to head chef at the property, his most senior role to date.
Bringing almost two decades of experience, he will oversee culinary operations, including across Bull & Bear, St. Trop and Peacock Alley.
While working at his family-owned restaurant in 2000, he joined as an apprentice at La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant in Turkey Izmir and then moved to the pre-opening of Hilton Hotels in Izmir whereby his career within the Hilton started.
He has worked across the MENA region for hotel groups including Radisson Hotels, Swiss Hotel holding a very strong pre-opening experience. Joining Conrad Dubai in 2019 as the executive sous chef, Ay has led his team to achieve the highest F&B profit per customer in MEA and highest F&B margin in 2019.
