Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Elevates F&B Leadership with Two Key Appointments

New Director of Food and Beverage and Director of Culinary join the iconic Grande Dame

HANOI, Vietnam (August , 2026) – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the city’s most storied hotel, has appointed two senior leaders to elevate its renowned culinary experience and offerings: Kevin Danet as Director of Food and Beverage and Liam Nealon as Director of Culinary.

The appointments reinforce the Metropole’s commitment to exceptional gastronomy as it celebrates its 125th anniversary with a series of immersive dining experiences throughout 2026.

With more than a decade of experience in Vietnam, and having spent almost two years as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at Metropole Hanoi before stepping into this new position, Kevin brings intimate knowledge of the local market and hospitality landscape. He oversees the hotel’s eight F&B outlets, including the signature modern French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu. “Beautiful venues and exceptional cuisine are important, but what guests remember most is how we made them feel,” Kevin said.

Liam joined the Metropole with 25 years of international experience across Australia, Asia and Europe, most recently at the Four Seasons Resort Bali. Known for his deep respect for ingredients and focus on natural flavours, Liam aims to create more dynamic, engaging guest experiences. “I am particularly passionate about collaborating closely with service teams to foster meaningful guest connections and memorable moments,” Liam said.

George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, said: “We are delighted to work with Kevin and also welcome Liam to the Metropole family and further strengthen the synergy between the kitchen and the dining room. Their combined expertise and passion will further elevate our culinary offering as we celebrate 125 years of legendary hospitality in Hanoi. This is an exciting new chapter that perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional, memorable experiences for our guests.”

Throughout 2026, the Metropole invites guests and residents to discover a rich calendar of gastronomic journeys across its celebrated restaurants and bars, blending timeless elegance with fresh culinary perspectives.

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri appoints Deepak Chaudhary as Director of Food & Beverage

With nearly 14 years of hospitality experience, Chaudhary will lead the hotel's food and beverage operations and dining experiences.

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri announces the appointment of Deepak Chaudhary as Director of Food & Beverage, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to enhancing its dining experiences and strengthening its leadership team.

Professional background

Having built a significant part of his career with Hyatt, Deepak brings nearly 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with extensive expertise across food and beverage operations, restaurant management, and service excellence. Most recently, he served as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, where he led large-scale operations, delivered marquee events, and contributed to driving operational excellence.

Industry experience

His professional journey includes leadership roles at Hyatt Regency New Delhi and Roseate House New Delhi, alongside experience in the beverage industry through key account management positions. A WSET Level 2 certified wine professional and certified departmental trainer, Deepak is known for his focus on service excellence, building high-performing teams, and creating memorable guest experiences.

New role

In his new role, Deepak will lead the hotel’s food and beverage operations, with a focus on operational excellence, innovative dining concepts, and elevating guest experiences across its restaurants and bars.

Director’s perspective

Commenting on his appointment, Deepak Chaudhary said, “The most memorable moments in hospitality often happen around a dining table. Whether it is a quick coffee before a meeting, a celebratory dinner, or an evening spent with friends, food has a unique way of bringing people together. I am excited to lead the food and beverage team at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri as we continue to create experiences that are thoughtful, distinctive, and rooted in genuine hospitality.”

Le Méridien Hyderabad Elevates Praveen Chavva to Director of Food & Beverage

Le Méridien Hyderabad, part of Marriott International, has announced the elevation of Praveen Chavva to the position of Director of Food & Beverage, recognizing his outstanding contribution and consistent excellence in leading the hotel’s F&B operations. With this elevation, he also joins the hotel’s ExCom, further strengthening his role in strategic leadership.

Previously serving as the Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, Praveen has been instrumental in driving quality, innovation, and guest satisfaction across all dining and banqueting experiences. His elevation is a testament to his dedication and the significant impact he has made within the organization.

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Praveen brings deep expertise across All Day Dining, Bar Lounges, Fine Dining Restaurants, and Large-Scale Banqueting operations. His career includes associations with leading hospitality brands such as Taj Hotels, Accor, Radisson Hotel Group, and Marriott International.

Commenting on the elevation, Sanjeev Mandal, General Manager, Le Méridien Hyderabad, said: “Praveen’s journey with us has been defined by consistency, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His ability to lead from the front and his deep understanding of F&B operations have significantly enhanced our guest experiences. This elevation is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions, and we are confident he will continue to raise the bar.”

In his new role, Praveen will continue to lead the hotel’s F&B operations, focusing on elevating culinary experiences, strengthening service standards, and driving innovation across all offerings.