Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia Announces New Culinary Appointments to Elevate Dining Experience

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia Announces New Culinary Appointments to Elevate Dining Experience

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center announces the appointments of Damien Beguin as Director of Food & Beverage, Mark McDonnell as Executive Chef, and Narayanan Jayaraman as Chef de Cuisine of Banquets and In-Room Dining. This dynamic team, with their vast international expertise and passion for innovation, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the Hotel’s renowned dining venues and creating exceptional culinary experiences for guests.

(PRESS RELEASE) Philadelphia, U.S.A., 2025-Jan-30 — /Travel PR News/ — Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center is excited to announce the appointment of three key members to its culinary leadership team: Damien Beguin as Director of Food & Beverage, Mark McDonnell as Executive Chef, and Narayanan Jayaraman (“Jay”) as Chef de Cuisine of Banquets and In-Room Dining. These appointments are part of the Hotel’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its culinary offerings and providing exceptional dining experiences to its guests. With a shared passion for culinary innovation and an impressive background of international expertise, this dynamic team is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Hotel’s acclaimed dining venues.

Damien Beguin – Director of Food & Beverage

Damien Beguin, a highly experienced culinary leader, takes on the role of Director of Food & Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. Originally from France, Damien’s impressive career spans renowned establishments such as Hotel Le Meurice in Paris, where he worked alongside Michelin-starred chefs Yannick Alléno and Alain Ducasse. During his time at Le Meurice, the restaurant achieved 3 Michelin stars within just six months. He continued his journey with a year of travel across Asia before returning to Europe, where he further honed his skills at Michelin-starred establishments like Saint James Paris. At Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, Damien played a key role in launching Le George, which quickly earned a Michelin star. He now brings his wealth of experience and vision to Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, overseeing all of the Hotel’s dining outlets, including Jean-Georges Philadelphia, SkyHigh, Vernick Fish, and Vernick Coffee Bar.

Mark McDonnell – Executive Chef

Mark McDonnell, the newly appointed Executive Chef, boasts more than 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality, having worked across the globe at top-tier restaurants and hotels. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Chef McDonnell’s culinary journey took him from London’s Tom Aikens restaurant to South America, where he developed a passion for Peruvian cuisine, and then to Australia, where he worked at Vue de Monde in Melbourne. He later expanded his expertise in Southeast Asia, holding key culinary positions, including Executive Chef at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami. Chef McDonnell’s extensive background brings a global perspective to his role as Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, where he leads all culinary operations and fosters strong partnerships with local purveyors and farmers to source fresh ingredients for the Hotel’s restaurants and events.

Narayanan Jayaraman (“Jay”) – Chef de Cuisine of Banquets and In-Room Dining

Chef Jayaraman joins the team as Chef de Cuisine of Banquets and In-Room Dining, bringing over a decade of experience with Four Seasons. His career has taken him across prestigious properties in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Lāna’i, and Westlake Village, where he perfected his skills in combining international culinary techniques with local ingredients. At Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, Chef Jayaraman will oversee the Hotel’s high-profile banquet operations, from luxurious weddings and corporate events to intimate social gatherings. He is also responsible for curating an exceptional in-room dining experience and developing a thoughtful employee dining program. Chef Jayaraman’s dedication to excellence ensures that every dining occasion, whether for guests or staff, upholds the Hotel’s commitment to world-class service and culinary creativity.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Damien, Mark, and Jay to our culinary team,” said Cornelia Samara, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. “Each of them brings a unique perspective, boundless creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We’re confident that their leadership will elevate our dining offerings, creating unforgettable moments for our guests and reinforcing our position as one of Philadelphia’s premier dining destinations.”

Media Contact:

Lisa Tareila
Director of Public Relations and Marketing Communications
One North 19th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
USA
lisa.tareila@fourseasons.com
+1 215 419 5033

Source: Four Seasons Hotels & Resort

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