Alessio Colantuono

From Italy to London, Ibiza and Dubai — Alessio defined excellence at Pierchic before leading one of the region's most decorated Michelin-starred teams.

From Italy to the World's Most Celebrated Dining Rooms

Alessio's hospitality career began with a global vision, taking him from Italy to London, Ibiza, and ultimately the thriving Dubai job market. At Pierchic, Dubai's iconic waterfront landmark, he truly defined excellence in restaurant management. Under his leadership, the venue was named World's Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant and saw a 17% revenue growth. Today, as General Manager of Leña and Smoked Room by Dani Garcia at St. Regis Gardens, he leads one of the region's most decorated teams with a Michelin Star and a place on Middle East and North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2025.

Jaime Castañeda

From Madrid to Dubai before it was a global hub — Jaime built 99 Sushi Bar into the first Spanish-led Michelin Star concept in the Middle East.

The CEO Who Rewrote the Rules of Japanese Fine Dining

Born in Madrid, Jaime's leadership style was forged through discipline. After completing his Master's at Les Roches Marbella, he seized a job opportunity in Dubai, ascending through the ranks at Jumeirah and Meraas. In 2017, he launched 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi, creating a landmark for Japanese fine dining. In 2022, the restaurant made history as the first Spanish-led concept to earn a Michelin Star in the Middle East. Now, as CEO, Jaime oversees 11 international restaurants of 99 Sushi Bar.

Ulises Braun

Four decades of making guests feel like the most important person in the room — from Studio 54 to Amnesia, Pacha and beyond.

A Life Built on the Dance Floor

Some careers are planned. Ulises Braun's was lived. His journey began in the late 70s amidst the birth of club culture at Studio 54 and Xenon. By 1979, he arrived in Ibiza, where he would eventually transform the global nightlife landscape. As the former manager of the legendary Amnesia, he founded "Sleepless Nights," an agency that defined European nightlife for over three decades. In 2014, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Swiss Nightlife Awards. Forty-five years on, he is still on the floor — and the night is still young.

Victor Akritidis

From professional football to leading the global expansion of OPA across 9 locations and 3 continents — 16 international openings and counting.

The Footballer Who Fell in Love with Hospitality

A professional footballer until 2004, Victor's first career pivot was unexpected. While studying in Athens, he began working in bars and the service industry caught him completely by surprise. He sharpened his skills at the Hilton, joined Novikov in London, and led Beach Blanket Babylon in Notting Hill. In Saudi Arabia during the early days of Vision 2030, he was a pioneer in the market. Since 2021, as International Operations Manager at DEMIND Group, Victor has spearheaded the global expansion of OPA to 9 locations across 3 continents.

Ryan Fourie

18 successful restaurant and beach club openings across the UAE — from bartender in Cape Town to CEO of some of Dubai's most iconic venues.

From a Pool Hall in Cape Town to CEO in Dubai

Ryan Fourie's path into hospitality was never planned — it was earned. Growing up in Cape Town, he worked bar shifts to pay for his studies. By 23, he was running Dragon Room, Cape Town's most luxurious nightclub. A recruitment trip by Jumeirah Hotel Group changed everything. He led pre-openings at Azure Beach managing 200 staff, worked at flagship venues in London, and was appointed CEO of Bla Bla Dubai within six months. Today, Ryan oversees five concepts with 18 successful openings across the UAE to his name.