Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has appointed Kevin Danet as Director of Food and Beverage and Liam Nealon as Director of Culinary, marking a significant leadership change as the iconic Hanoi hotel marks its 125th anniversary.
Kevin Danet's Appointment Danet brings more than a decade of Vietnam experience to the role, including nearly two years as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at the Metropole. He now oversees the hotel's eight F&B outlets, including the signature fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu. "Beautiful venues and exceptional cuisine are important, but what guests remember most is how we made them feel," Danet said.
Liam Nealon Joins as Director of Culinary Nealon arrives with 25 years of international hospitality experience across Australia, Asia, and Europe. Most recently, he worked at Four Seasons Resort Bali. He is known for emphasizing ingredient quality and natural flavors in menu development. "I am particularly passionate about collaborating closely with service teams to foster meaningful guest connections and memorable moments," Nealon said.
125th Anniversary Programming The appointments align with the hotel's 125th anniversary celebration throughout 2026, which will include a calendar of gastronomic events across the property's restaurants and bars. George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, said: "We are delighted to work with Kevin and also welcome Liam to the Metropole family and further strengthen the synergy between the kitchen and the dining room. Their combined expertise and passion will further elevate our culinary offering as we celebrate 125 years of legendary hospitality in Hanoi. This is an exciting new chapter that perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional, memorable experiences for our guests."
Property Overview The hotel operates six restaurants and bars, including Le Club Bar, Le Beaulieu, Spice Garden, angelina, La Terrasse, and the Bamboo Bar. The 358-room property comprises a Heritage Wing dating to 1901 and a neo-classical Opera Wing.
Why It Matters
For luxury hotel operators, the Metropole's leadership restructuring reflects a broader industry focus on integrating culinary excellence with guest service strategy. The coordination between F&B and culinary direction signals an emphasis on operational cohesion during anniversary programming—a model other heritage properties may replicate.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
