Steven Smalley, Executive chef, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah

With over 30 years of culinary experience, Steven Smalley has become a leader in the F&B industry, both locally and internationally. His extensive background includes working with prestigious brands such as Atlantis The Palm, Madinat Jumeirah, and Crowne Plaza, in his home in the UK, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

Chef Steven manages a team of 164 colleagues across 12 restaurants, ensuring seamless operations and high standards in daily dining, in-room, banquet services, and stewarding. His leadership style emphasizes internal promotions and developing young culinary talents, creating a supportive and growth-focused environment. This approach has led to improved team performance and increased staff retention.

In 2024, Chef Steven introduced innovative measures to enhance operations at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk, including a highly successful vegan menu that drew significant interest from the local community. His "green project," which involves installing a food waste digesting machine, has reduced food waste to near zero, showcasing his commitment to sustainability.

Known for his calm and focused demeanor, even in high-pressure situations, Steven's leadership has made a significant impact on the hotel's reputation. His ability to consistently innovate, analyze market trends, and respond to guest feedback has boosted guest satisfaction and driven higher profits.