Michael Farquhar

Michael Farquhar has a diverse and extensive work experience in the hospitality industry. Michael is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Ottolenghi Ltd since September 2023. Prior to that, they founded and managed Solid Koncepts in 2016. From 2017 to August 2023, they worked as the Operations Director at D&D London, where they reviewed operational structures and implemented efficiencies.

Before that, Michael was the Global Operations Director at CÉ LA VI (previously known as KU DÉ TA) from 2011 to 2016. Michael was responsible for the company's global operations, overseeing venues in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and St Tropez, with future expansion plans in Rome, Taipei, and Dubai.

From 2010 to 2011, Michael served as the Director of F&B at The Oberoi, Mumbai, where they played a key role in the successful re-opening of the hotel following the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Michael also set up the F&B operations and implemented new standard operating procedures.

Prior to that, Michael worked as the Assistant Director of F&B (acting Director of F&B) at InterContinental Cairo Citystars from 2007 to 2010, where they successfully planned and opened new ballrooms and designed a commissary kitchen.

Michael's career started with various roles at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, including Banquet Manager in Costa Rica, Manager in London, and Assistant Manager in Dallas. Michael also gained early experience as a Management Trainee at Shantou International Hotel in China and as a Stagiaire/Trainee at InterContinental Hotels Group.

Michael's career in the hospitality industry began as a Chef Apprentice at Sletten Kro Restaurant in Denmark in 1996.

Michael Farquhar completed their education with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Hospitality Administration/Management from Les Roches in 2000. In 2004, they obtained a Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Prior to that, they earned a Chef Diploma from the Hotel- and Restaurant School Copenhagen, Denmark in 1996.