Diner’s Diary | Michelin Guide’s new international director would appear well qualified
Gwendal Poullennec, who succeeds Michael Ellis, joined Michelin in 2003 and has spent the past 12 years overseeing the dining bible’s international expansion
The Michelin Guide has named a new international director following the departure of Michael Ellis after seven years in the position.
In a short announcement on its website, Michelin Guide said Gwendal Poullennec had replaced Ellis, and he seems well qualified for the job.
Having joined Michelin in 2003, Poullennec has spent the past 12 years overseeing the international launches of guides in New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Macau, Kyoto, Bangkok and Taipei. There are now 32 editions of the guide to fine dining, good-value gourmet meals and, in Asia, street food published around the world.
Ellis resigned in June to become chief culinary officer at Dubai-based Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts. In July he told the Post he had an “incredible seven years” and that it would be an “amazing experience I won’t forget”.
“Being on stage and doing events I see the emotion and joy, and see the importance of the Michelin Guide to the chefs, that shining that unique Michelin spotlight can be a game changer [for them],” he said. “It makes me feel professionally we’re making a difference and that’s also something that I am honoured to have taken part in.”