VIP Events & Function Manager at Catrion, KSA

Worldchefs Certified Continental Judge

Chef Essam’s culinary journey began at the EGOTH Tourism and Hotel School in Aswan, where he first studied the art of cooking and developed a unique style that set him apart. His long and distinguished career spans some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants and hotel chains, including Movenpick, Intercontinental, Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott, The Oberoi, and Le Meridien Cairo. His exceptional skills and leadership led to his promotion as the Food and Beverage Director at Movenpick El Gouna. Today, he serves as the Events & Function Manager at Catrion in Saudi Arabia.

Throughout his career, Chef Essam had the privilege of working under the mentorship of influential chefs from the French and Swiss culinary traditions. These experiences deepened his knowledge and helped shape his distinct culinary style. In 2006, he was appointed Executive Chef of the Hilton in Hurghada, Egypt, becoming the youngest Executive Chef in the Middle East.

Chef Essam’s expertise and leadership did not go unnoticed. In the same year, the Egyptian Chefs Association selected him as the captain of the team representing Egypt at the Culinary Olympics. His dedication to mentoring and guiding young chefs has led many to success in international culinary competitions, including the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg and the IKA Culinary Olympics in Germany, where they brought home numerous gold medals and trophies. In addition to his achievements, Chef Essam is also a Worldchefs Certified Continental Judge. His legacy continues to inspire the next generation of culinary talent.

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