Kesinee Damrongsakul

Cluster Executive Chef / Executive Chef

Bangkok, TH.

About

Highly accomplished and innovative culinary leader with over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, specializing in Asian cuisine and multi-property operations. Proven ability to manage large-scale kitchen teams, conceptualize award-winning menus, and drive substantial revenue growth, recognized for successfully navigating F&B structural changes and optimizing cost efficiency. Expert in pre-opening operations, fostering high-performing teams, and maintaining stringent international food safety standards, positioning for continued leadership in luxury culinary environments.

Work

SALA Hospitality Group

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Cluster Executive Chef

Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

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Summary

Oversees comprehensive culinary operations, menu engineering, and creative development across four luxury boutique properties, ensuring exceptional dining experiences and financial performance.

Highlights

Directs culinary operations, menu engineering, and creative menu development for 4 luxury boutique properties, including Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-In, and Khao Yai.

Manages financial performance and budget planning, consistently maintaining food costs within the designated 30% threshold across all cluster properties.

Coordinates and communicates effectively with diverse internal departments and high-end clientele through professional correspondence to ensure seamless service delivery.

Soho House, Bangkok

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Executive Chef

Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

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Summary

Led all culinary operations for Soho House Bangkok, specializing in authentic Thai cuisine and achieving significant operational and team management successes.

Highlights

Developed and implemented all Thai-focused menus for Soho House Bangkok, showcasing authentic regional cuisine and contributing to brand identity.

Conceptualized and executed innovative Thai comfort food dishes, successfully showcasing them across multiple international Soho House locations.

Maintained strict cost control measures, ensuring profitability and optimizing resource allocation for culinary operations.

Achieved a 0% staff turnover rate through strong team leadership, mentorship, and fostering a positive work environment.

Spearheaded pre-opening kitchen operations, including recruiting a highly skilled team, comprehensive training, and meticulous standard implementation to ensure a successful launch.

Managed menu planning, food promotions, and private dining events, driving operational excellence aligned with the brand's prestige.

The St. Regis Hotel, Bangkok

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Executive Chef / Executive Sous Chef

Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

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Summary

Directed hotel kitchen operations, ensuring continuity and high standards while navigating challenging periods and fostering team development.

Highlights

Directed comprehensive hotel kitchen operations, ensuring operational continuity, seamless service, and robust team development.

Led and maintained high team morale during the unprecedented pandemic, successfully adapting to a lean workforce while achieving a 20% workforce reduction without compromising quality.

Innovated menu designs and enhanced food presentations, optimizing cost efficiency across all culinary offerings.

Maintained the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Capella Hotel, Bangkok

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Chef Tournant

Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

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Summary

Played a critical role in the pre-opening culinary division for a luxury property, developing foundational menus and operational strategies.

Highlights

Played a critical role in the pre-opening culinary division for the luxury Capella Hotel, contributing to menu development, training programs, and operational strategies.

Established comprehensive operational guidelines and timelines, ensuring efficient kitchen workflows and seamless service delivery from launch.

Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok

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Chef de Cuisine

Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

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Summary

Led the successful opening and management of a new restaurant concept, driving significant customer growth and delivering world-class dining experiences.

Highlights

Led the successful opening of a new restaurant concept, overseeing planning, instruction, and equipment setup to ensure a smooth launch.

Managed operations at Vertigo Too, consistently delivering world-class fine dining experiences to a discerning clientele.

Increased customer base by 45% through the creation of a tailored dieter’s menu, specifically attuned to health-conscious Asian guests.

Collaborated with Michelin-starred chefs for exclusive culinary events, enhancing the hotel's reputation and attracting high-profile guests.

The Prawn by Tom Aikens (2 Michelin Stars)

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Sous Chef

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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Summary

Assisted in the successful opening of a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, focusing on team recruitment, training, and maintaining consistent culinary quality.

Highlights

Assisted in the restaurant's opening, including strategic team recruitment, comprehensive training initiatives, and rigorous staff development.

Ensured consistent quality across all dishes through meticulous staff training and adherence to Michelin-starred culinary standards.

The Prawn by Tom Aikens (2 Michelin Stars)

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Chef de Partie

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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Summary

Maintained high culinary standards and mentored junior chefs within a prestigious 2 Michelin-starred kitchen environment.

Highlights

Maintained exceptionally high plating and portioning standards, contributing to the restaurant's 2 Michelin-star reputation.

Mentored junior chefs in advanced culinary techniques, fostering skill development and adherence to rigorous quality protocols.

Ladurée

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Commis Chef

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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Summary

Supported the preparation and presentation of high-quality dishes within a renowned luxury patisserie.

Highlights

Supported the preparation and presentation of high-quality, intricate dishes, adhering to Ladurée's exacting standards.

Assisted senior chefs in daily kitchen operations, gaining foundational experience in luxury culinary production.

Kitchen Italia

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Commis Chef

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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Summary

Assisted in the preparation and presentation of authentic Italian dishes, developing foundational culinary skills.

Highlights

Supported the preparation and presentation of authentic Italian dishes, contributing to daily service excellence.

Gained hands-on experience in various kitchen stations, developing foundational cooking techniques and operational efficiency.

Education

King Mongkut's University of Technology

Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
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Bachelor's Degree Food Science

Awards

Culinary Competition Award (TICC 2016) for ‘East Meets West’ cuisine innovation

TICC

Recognized for innovative culinary expertise in blending Asian and Western culinary techniques, demonstrating exceptional creativity and skill in the 'East Meets West' category.

Languages

Thai

English

Skills

Culinary & Operations

Menu Engineering & Planning, Fine Dining, Luxury Hospitality, Pre-Opening Operations, Kitchen Workflow Optimization, Catering Activities, Food Preparation, Asian Cuisine Expertise, Menu Development, Food Presentation.

Management & Finance

Food Cost Control & Budgeting, Revenue Growth, Recruitment, Team Building & Mentorship, Strategic Thinking, Operational Excellence, Financial Performance Management, Staff Retention.

Safety & Compliance

Food Safety Knowledge, HACCP, SERVSAFE, Occupational Safety and Health, Quality Management, Hygiene Standards.

Interests

Hobbies

Creative Scriptwriting (TV series, Dramas, Movies), Travelling, Exercise, Drums.