Orient-Express Hotels Appoints Raymond Blanc as Vice President

Orient-Express Hotels has appointed Raymond Blanc OBE, founder and chef patron of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, as Vice President.

Mr Blanc has had a close association with Orient-Express since the company entered into a partnership with him by acquiring the equity of Virgin Hotels in the two-star Michelin restaurant and 32 room hotel, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Great Milton, Oxfordshire, in 2002.

In his new capacity as Vice President, Mr Blanc will have a consultancy role throughout the Orient-Express portfolio of hotels, trains and cruises, working with existing teams to improve and enhance their culinary offering. The first such project will be at Orient-Express Hotels’ Santa Barbara, California property, El Encanto, due to open in 2012, where Raymond Blanc is designing the restaurant and will oversee delivery of the concept.

“Raymond is one of the world’s most talented chefs and he has an amazing track record of encouraging his colleagues on to greater achievement. No less than 25 Michelin starred chefs trained with Raymond at some point in their careers,” said Paul White, President and Chief Executive of Orient-Express Hotels. “I know my colleagues in Orient-Express restaurants and kitchens all over the world will be delighted to have his input and benefit from his knowledge.”

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