GUSTAVO MAURELLI - EXECUTIVE CHEF

Le Méridien Chiang Mai has named innovative Italian gourmet expert Gustavo Maurelli as its Executive Chef, whose scope of responsibilities includes overseeing the hotel’s fresh approach to Italian cuisine at Favola.

Mr Maurelli comes to Le Méridien Chiang Mai, having worked for Starwood from 1999-2004 at the Sheraton Kuwait Luxury Collection, first as Sous Chef at the Riccardo Italian restaurant and then as the hotel’s Executive Chef. He was presented with the President’s Award by Starwood in 2002.

“I have wanted to come back to Starwood, and Le Méridien Chiang Mai offered the perfect opportunity,” said Mr Maurelli. “I am familiar with their management style, and I wanted to participate in a hotel branding and opening as it is always good to get in at the start.”

Born to Italian parents in Uruguay, Mr Maurelli is a Canadian who grew up in Toronto, which is where his cooking career has its roots. Upon graduating college with a chef’s diploma in 1989, he honed his culinary skills at the city’s finest Italian eateries.

Mr Maurelli shifted his sights oversees in 1996, taking Italian chef positions at hotels in Abu Dhabi, Sarawak and Jakarta over the next three years. He also appeared as guest chef at Italian restaurants in UAE-based Rotana Hotels before moving to Kuwait.  

“I really enjoyed my time spent at Sheraton Kuwait,” Mr Maurelli said. “I also enjoyed Dubai very much. It’s an interesting city to be in if you are in the hospitality business, especially chefs. There are great hotel and food and beverage concepts and always something new happening.”

Besides the challenge presented by the re-branding opening at Le Méridien Chiang Mai, Mr Maurelli said he has always wanted to live and work in Thailand.

“I have been fascinated by Thai culture for a long time - the people, the traditions and of course the cooking, and great variety of ingredients that are available here,” he said.