JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort Welcomes New Director of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has announced the appointments of Arup Chakraborty as Director of Food & Beverage and Thierry Vergnault as Executive Chef, marking a meaningful new chapter for the resort’s culinary journey. 

Arup Chakraborty brings more than 16 years of international hospitality experience, beginning his career in London where he gained early exposure to world-class hospitality standards, including time at the Michelin-starred Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay, before progressing into leadership roles with renowned brands such as Hilton London Paddington, The Leela Palace Chennai, Constance Lemuria Resort in Seychelles, and Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean. In the Maldives, he has held senior positions with Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, and Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, where he most recently served as Director of Food & Beverage, driving strong commercial performance alongside high guest satisfaction. 

“It is a privilege to join JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, my first experience within the Marriott International family,” said Arup Chakraborty. “I look forward to building upon the resort’s strong culinary foundation and introducing new experiences that continue to delight our guests.” 

Originally from France, Chef Thierry brings an exceptional culinary journey that began at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, where he developed a deep respect for classical French cuisine and refined his craft at the highest level. His career has since taken him across North America, the Middle East, Russia, the Caribbean, and the Maldives, shaping a culinary philosophy inspired by travel, culture, and human connection. Blending technical excellence with creativity, Chef Thierry’s approach celebrates seasonality, sustainability, and a strong sense of place. At JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, he will curate refined and distinctive dining experiences that highlight the richness of local Maldivian ingredients, thoughtfully infused with global influences. 

“I am delighted to begin this new chapter with the team at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort,” shared Chef Thierry Vergnault. “My focus is on crafting meaningful culinary experiences that honor local produce while reflecting the inspiration of my international journey.” 

Together, Arup and Chef Thierry will oversee the resort’s seven signature restaurants and bars, shaping a cohesive and elevated dining experiences that encompasses South American charcoal grills at Athiri, Japanese–Peruvian fusion at Nikkei, and the JW Garden to Table philosophy at Pure. Their shared focus will be on culinary creativity, operational excellence, and delivering meaningful dining experiences aligned with JW Marriott’s mindful luxury ethos. 

With these appointments, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort reinforces its commitment to refined dining, heartfelt hospitality, and experiences that nourish the mind, body, and spirit. 

For more information, visit the website at jwmarriottkaafuatoll.com.