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Updated: 2pm, 18.06.18 with details of Micheal Ellis’ new role at the Jumeirah Hotel Group.
It has been announced this morning that Michael Ellis — the current international director of Michelin guides — will leave the group on 14 September 2018, having been in the post since 2011.
Ellis is credited for leading Michelin’s “dynamic internationalisation strategy” over the past seven years. The Red Guide — which remains the most well-known index in the restaurant world — now publishes 31 editions in 30 countries. Guangzhou, in China, is the newest, and is scheduled to launch later this year.
Ellis, who has added six new Michelin guides in the last three years, said in a statement: “My seven years as head of the Michelin guides have been the most exciting of my career and I can not thank the Michelin group enough for giving me this unique opportunity.
“The inspectors are the beating heart of this strategic activity, their passion and their expertise are without question and I was very honoured to be with them during these seven years. Long live the Michelin Guide!”
Last October, Ellis hosted a live event in London to announce the Michelin Guide to the U.K. and Ireland. At the event, he rather tardily noted the evolution of British food about which he remarked that “modern British cuisine has taken its rightful place on the world stage.”
Michelin says his successor will be appointed soon; a spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reason for Ellis’ departure.
However, it has since been revealed that Ellis has taken a position at the Dubai-based Jumeirah Hotel Group, where he will act as chief culinary officer. CEO José Silva said that “Michael and I share a deep passion for food and dining experiences... His appointment is the cornerstone of the vision to put dining at the centre of Jumeirah’s luxury experience.”
On his new role, Ellis said: “José has a bold and exciting vision to energise the hospitality industry. The kitchen is where revolutions happen and as a creative culinary thinker I am delighted to have an opportunity to test my own, and the team’s, drive for culinary innovation.”
Jumeirah owns and operates 15 properties in the Middle East, five in Europe, and two in Asia. Ellis, however, will take charge of the culinary programme at the 18 properties currently under construction across the world.
“I have dedicated much of my life to the culinary experience and as José takes Jumeirah’s hotels into the next phase of dynamic growth, I am looking forward to bringing my passion for great food and dining to Jumeirah’s guests,” he said.
Stay tuned for more soon.