Rotana Elevates Culinary Leadership with New Corporate VP of Food & Beverage

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Rotana, a leading force in the hotel management sector spanning the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkiye (Menat), is making headlines with its latest strategic move. The company has promoted Scott Valentine from his role as Corporate Director of Culinary to the newly created position of Corporate Vice President – Food & Beverage. This pivotal shift is set to drive Rotana’s culinary strategies forward, marking a new era of enhanced dining experiences across its extensive portfolio.

Strategic Culinary Leadership

Scott Valentine will now lead Rotana’s food and beverage strategy, overseeing the execution of innovative culinary initiatives designed to elevate the brand’s dining experiences. His role involves not only maintaining high standards of quality and service but also spearheading the development and implementation of new restaurant concepts and food and beverage outlets. This strategic move is anticipated to bolster Rotana’s reputation for excellence within the hospitality industry.

Impact on Rotana’s Food and Beverage Operations

As part of his new responsibilities, Valentine will report directly to Eddy Tannous, the Chief Operating Officer of Rotana. Tannous has acknowledged Valentine’s substantial contributions to the company’s food and beverage operations over the past few years. Valentine’s innovative approach and commitment to excellence have been credited with significantly shaping Rotana’s F&B operations. His role has included driving sustainability initiatives through the integration of advanced technologies, such as Chef’s Eye, which enhances kitchen operations.

Valentine’s Career Trajectory

Scott Valentine initially joined Rotana in August 2019 as Corporate Director of Culinary. His rapid ascent within the company is attributed to his effective leadership and visionary approach, which played a crucial role in developing and refining culinary concepts. This success led to his promotion to Corporate Director of F&B and Culinary in early 2024. Prior to joining Rotana, Valentine had a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, collaborating with notable hotel brands and independent culinary institutions globally.

His extensive experience includes working with eleven Michelin-starred chefs, opening four restaurants in Amsterdam, and founding the Chefs Association in Tanzania. Valentine also holds a Food and Beverage Management Certificate from Cornell University and has been recognized with various accolades throughout his 25-year career, including a Michelin Recommendation in London, a Star in Amsterdam, and a Fodor’s award.

Global and Industry Implications

The elevation of Scott Valentine to this senior role is expected to have a broad impact on the hospitality industry. Rotana’s commitment to enhancing its culinary offerings reflects a growing trend among hotel chains to invest in high-caliber food and beverage experiences. As Rotana operates 81 hotels and over 280 F&B outlets across its diverse geographic footprint, Valentine’s leadership is poised to drive significant advancements in culinary innovation and guest satisfaction.

The move underscores the importance of strong leadership in the food and beverage sector, particularly in the context of expanding hospitality operations. By integrating advanced technologies and focusing on sustainability, Rotana aims to set new benchmarks in the industry, potentially influencing other hotel chains to follow suit in enhancing their culinary strategies.

Rotana’s promotion of Scott Valentine to Corporate Vice President – Food & Beverage signifies a major step in the company’s strategic efforts to elevate its food and beverage offerings. With his extensive experience and innovative approach, Valentine is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Rotana’s culinary landscape, further solidifying the brand’s position as a leader in the hospitality industry.