What motivated you to join Hospitality, and what brought you to Lore Group?

I grew up in my parent’s restaurant where hospitality wasn’t just a job, rather a way of life.

Since my teenager years I was involved in the kitchen dynamics and guest’s dining experience.

Growing in a family-run business taught me the importance of accomplishment, and the deep satisfaction that comes from creating memorable experiences for others. It taught me  the importance of dedication, team work and making the guests feel special.

As Kimpton de Witt became part of Lore Group I was excited by the group’s vision and guests- centred service as these aligned with my own values and ambitions. 

 

What was your first role here, and how has your career progressed over time?

I started my journey at Kimpton in 2019 as a Chef de Partie, few months after relocating from my home country Italy.

In that role I was responsible for managing a specific section of the kitchen, ensuring consistency and quality, and supporting the team during busy services.

It was a great experience in an international kitchen where I had the possibility to improve my technical skills and learn from talented colleagues, but  what mainly fascinated me was interacting with so many different cultures.

Later I progressed to more senior positions:

Junior Sous Chef, Senior sous chef, Executive sous chef and later Executive Chef.

In this role I oversee the entire kitchen operation, from menu creation to team development, to maintaining high quality and consistency throughout all our meals offering.

Looking back, my journey from Chef de partie to Executive Chef has been challenging and rewarding at the same time; it has taught me the importance of hard work, learning to develop yourself, support those around you and be open to receive guidance and support.

 

What are some of your proudest achievements during your time here?

One of my proudest achievements has been building the respect and trust of my team as well as the one of colleagues from different departments; knowing that I’ve helped create an environment where people feel supported and inspired to do their best work is something I take great pride in.

Another achievement I’m proud of is successfully running a busy, high-performing kitchen operation. Managing the fast pace and high expectations can be challenging, but I’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and keep the team focused and energized. Seeing my team work together and support each other especially during our busiest times, is incredibly rewarding.

 

What opportunities have you had here to develop new skills or advance your career?

Well, I believe my journey here at Kimpton and Lore Group is a tangible example that I was given the possibility and opportunity to develop new skills.

Since my first days I was able to work in different sections of the kitchen, which allowed me to master a variety of cooking techniques and gain understanding of kitchen operations; mistakes have never been a problem rather a way of learning.

Later on I was given the chance to learn about menu planning, purchasing, scheduling, and training, all of which are essential skills for a chef aspiring to take on more responsibilities.

As I progressed, I was give more responsibilities and leadership roles, such as supervising teams and mentoring junior chefs.

These experiences, almost naturally, helped me to improve my communication, my emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for managing a busy kitchen and supporting team development.

Last I have had the opportunity to follow trainings and workshops that have helped me develop myself further on a personal level and became the person and leader I aspire to be.

 

How has Lore Group supported your career growth?

Lore Group has helped me in my career development by providing trainings, mentorship and trust.

Mentorship has played a key role in my growth and development. I’ve had the privilege of working together experienced chef Wolfgang Birk who gave me guidance, support in my toughest moments, and honest feedback. His support helped me to overcome challenges, shape my approach to leadership, and set clear goals for my professional development.

Last Lore Group has consistently shown trust in my abilities. They empowered me to take on new responsibilities and supported me as I moved into more senior roles. This trust not only helped my confidence but also motivates me to push myself further.

 

How would you describe the culture at Lore Group?

The culture at Lore Group can be described with few words: is a second family,

especially for someone living and working far from home like me.

As an expat, I have found a welcoming environment where people genuinely care for one another and where diversity is seen as a strength and is celebrated daily.

 

What values or aspects of the Lore Group culture resonate most with you?

Of the four Lore’s value the ones that resonate the most with me are Spirit and Family.
Spirit because I truly believe that each of us has the power to make someone else’s day better, whether is a guest or a colleague. This positivity creates an environment where everyone is encouraged to go the extra mile and support one another.

Family because just like in a big family (I am the youngest of five children) everyone’s voice is hear and respected.
There’s a genuine culture of care, inclusion, and mutual respect, where people look out for each other and celebrate each other’s successes.

I feel these values and I try to convey them to the people around me; this atmosphere of respect and openness helps me to feel motivated to give my best every day.

 

What advice would you give to someone looking to start or advance their career in this field?

My advice is don’t let the tough days push you down. The hospitality industry can be demanding and fast-paced, and there will be inevitably challenging moments; take this moments as opportunities for growth and learning.

Have a clear vision for yourself and fight for it. Set personal goals, know what you want to achieve, and stay focused on your ambitions even when things get difficult. Passion and determination are key in this industry. If you are committed to your vision, you’ll find the motivation to keep improving and moving forward.

Also, be open to learning from others and to be scared of feedback. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or take on new challenges. Every experience, good or bad, will help you grow.

Finally, remember that hospitality is about people. Treat your colleagues and guests with respect and kindness, and value the relationships you build along the way. The connections you make and the teamwork you experience are some of the most rewarding aspects of this field.

 

 

What’s your favourite thing about working here?

Without a doubt, my favourite thing about working here are the people.

Every day, I am surrounded by passionate, dedicated colleagues who bring energy, creativity, and heart to everything they do.

It’s the team that truly makes this place special.

Although we come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, we share a common commitment: create unforgettable experiences for our guests; and we do this together supporting and respecting each other.