Steven Smalley is a cluster executive chef and hotel‑scale culinary leader heading the kitchens at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk, where he operates at the intersection of large‑volume production, premium brand standards, and guest‑driven dining experiences in one of Dubai’s most competitive beachfront destinations. As Executive Chef, he steers the culinary vision, menu direction, and operational discipline across both properties, ensuring every outlet reflects Hilton’s global promise while staying rooted in UAE’s evolving market expectations.
Executive Chef and Cluster Leader
Steven leads the overall culinary function for Hilton JBR and The Walk, overseeing multi‑outlet kitchen operations, menu execution, and close coordination with F&B and cluster leadership teams. His role spans aligning culinary delivery with brand metrics, guest satisfaction goals, sustainability focus, and commercial performance across a busy resort and city‑side guest mix.
End‑to‑End Culinary Operations
Beyond daily service, his remit covers end‑to‑end kitchen management: from all‑day dining and specialty restaurants to banqueting and large‑scale events, while working with procurement and cost control to balance quality, efficiency, and profitability. Drawing on previous leadership roles at Atlantis The Palm, Madinat Jumeirah and as Group Executive Chef at Damac, he brings deep experience in designing scalable systems, menu roll‑outs, and team structures for high‑volume, high‑expectation environments.
Craftsmanship, Talent Development and Team Culture
A hands‑on leader, Steven is recognised not only for his food but for how he mentors and elevates his brigade, with a strong focus on developing emerging chefs, recognising talent, and giving them visibility through competitions and awards. His leadership has been highlighted through accolades such as Culinary Leader of the Year and inclusion in “Best 30 Chefs in the Middle East” listings, reflecting a culture of coaching, innovation, and high performance in his kitchens.
Impact within Hilton and the Dubai Culinary Scene
Since taking on the Executive Chef role in 2018, his influence is visible in the way Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk structure their culinary operations, champion sustainability, and consistently perform at regional competitions and industry awards. His kitchens have produced award‑winning talents and received multiple recognitions at platforms like the Emirates Salon Culinaire and Pro Chef Awards, underlining his impact on both property‑level results and the wider Hilton culinary network.
Professional Presence and Industry Contribution
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