Virgin Hotels Collection appoints two senior food and beverage directors

Virgin Hotels Collection has appointed Jason Rochaleau as corporate food and beverage director for the Americas and Barry Vera as director of culinary and beverage for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 

The management changes are intended to expand the brand’s culture-led dining and hospitality concepts globally.

Rochaleau has more than 20 years of operations experience across luxury hospitality brands and independent restaurant networks. 

He previously spent 13 years as vice president of operations at Mina Group, where he managed customer experience strategies, and held senior management positions at Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont, and MGM Resorts International.

Meanwhile, Vera has more than 35 years of international culinary experience spanning Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. 

He formerly worked as culinary director for Europe at The ONE Group, where he launched the STK and Radio Rooftop restaurant concepts, and has overseen luxury catering events at Royal Ascot.

The new regional directors will manage dining programs across both the Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition brands. 

The appointments follow a restructuring of the group’s international management teams to improve cross-border operational consistency.

Rochleau said: “Across Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition, our food and beverage philosophy is all about combining a strong sense of place with the spirit of the Virgin brand…

“We’re focused on bold flavors, thoughtful sourcing, and menus that reflect the energy and individuality of each destination… creating moments that feel personal, memorable, and unmistakably Virgin.”