Tourism & Hospitality | Tuesday 1 October, 2019 5:17 pm |

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre has announced the appointment of Leonardo Concezzi as Director of Food & Beverage. The Italian-born culinary master will lead and oversee all daily operations and management of the Hotel’s three distinct restaurants together with its sizeable banquet operations.

 

With a career spanning three decades and numerous countries, Concezzi brings extensive experience in the luxury dining sector to the table. His international journey began at the age of 19 when he left his home country for a job as a chef in Miami, United States. Concezzi’s natural talent and dedication to his craft soon opened doors to many exciting opportunities, which led to him entering the luxury hotel industry in the year 2000. 

 

Since then, he has further honed his knowledge and skills at renowned 5-star properties in Australia, the Bahamas, Italy, Morocco, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE, with his time in the Middle East providing a valuable opportunity to become familiar with local favours and culture.

 

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome a craftsman of Leonardo’s calibre to Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. His extensive international experience and deep knowledge of fine dining will play a key role in further elevating the guest experience in our acclaimed restaurants,” said Guenter Gebhard, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. “Leonardo’s culinary expertise and passion for food make him an outstanding addition to our team, and I am confident that his appointment will enable us to take the Hotel’s food and beverage offerings to new heights.”

 

Initiating fresh concepts and launching new restaurants has been a common theme throughout Concezzi’s career, and his talents have been recognised through several awards, including a prestigious Michelin star during his tenure at Torre Dei Galluzzi restaurant in Bologna, Italy. While working as an executive chef in Sardinia in 2009, Leo was nominated by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey to open Gordon Ramsey at Forte Village. In addition, he has been invited to create special menus for many renowned eateries around the world as a guest chef.

 

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to join the team Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, a beautiful property with a reputation for culinary excellence. I’m looking forward working with the team to bring some fresh ideas to menus, while maintaining the rich traditions that have established the Hotel as one of Riyadh’s most sought-after dining destinations,” said Leonardo Concezzi.

 

Concezzi studied at the prestigious Instituto Alberghiero di Spoleto in Perugia, Italy, where he obtained a hotel management degree in the field of culinary arts and related services. During his free time, he enjoys long-distance running, kite surfing, and reading.