Vakkaru Maldives Welcomes Janne A. Ollikainen as New Executive Chef
Vakkaru Maldives is thrilled to announce the appointment of Janne A. Ollikainen as the resort's new Executive Chef. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades across Asia and Scandinavia, Chef Janne brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and a passion for sustainable gastronomy to Vakkaru's culinary team.
A highly accomplished and visionary chef, Chef Janne is known for his commitment to culinary innovation, sustainability, and wellness-driven gastronomy. His expertise spans modern techniques, local ingredient sourcing, and team mentorship, ensuring every dish is an experience.
"We are delighted to welcome Chef Janne to the Vakkaru family," said Teddy Susanto Wiryawan, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives. His exceptional talent, global experience, and deep understanding of sustainability in gastronomy make him the perfect fit for our resort. We are confident that our culinary offerings will continue to evolve under his leadership, creating extraordinary dining experiences for our guests."
Before joining Vakkaru Maldives, Chef Janne held executive roles at renowned properties, including Mercure Danang French Village, Kurumba Maldives, and JW Marriott Thailand, where he drove F&B excellence, secured top industry awards, and significantly enhanced guest dining experiences. His leadership has played a pivotal role in achieving prestigious recognitions, such as Luxury Theme Restaurant - Continent Winner (2018) and Indian Ocean's Leading Family Resort (2020).
At Vakkaru Maldives, Chef Janne will curate a world-class dining experience, blending authentic Maldivian flavours with global influences. His passion for sustainability aligns with the resort's ethos, incorporating locally sourced ingredients and eco-conscious practices to redefine luxury dining in the Maldives.
Commenting on his new role, Chef Janne added: "I am thrilled to join Vakkaru Maldives and contribute to its extraordinary culinary landscape. My vision is to create memorable dining experiences that not only delight the senses but also celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the Maldives. I look forward to working with the talented team at Vakkaru to bring our shared vision to life."
In his new role, Chef Janne will oversee all culinary operations at Vakkaru Maldives, from menu development to staff training, ensuring that every dining experience reflects the resort's commitment to excellence.
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