Miguel Huelamo | Executive Culinary Leader

With over two decades on the line, Chef Miguel Huelamo has traded the frantic energy of the kitchen for the high-stakes chess match of global operations. He combines a veteran’s technical mastery with the cold, hard discipline of a data-driven strategist. From the precision-engineered chaos of Zuma in London, Hong Kong, and Miami to the high-profile launch of Morimoto Dubai, Miguel has spent his career scaling complex Japanese and Asian concepts without losing the soul of the dish.

His Mediterranean roots provided the foundation, but a life lived across Asia and the Middle East, navigating everything from intricate Indian spices, Thai heat, Chinese wok-fired smoke has landed him in the massive, 12-restaurant portfolio at the JW Marriott Marquis. His path has forged a chef who speaks the universal language of flavor and efficiency. Currently overseeing 1,600+ rooms and spearheading the birth of five new dining concepts, Miguel doesn’t just manage kitchens; he builds cultures.

He excels at uniting multicultural teams under a singular, relentless vision of excellence, bridging the gap between creative artistry and the bottom-line reality of a P&L statement. Leveraging a tech-forward approach to operational management, Miguel is now looking beyond the pass, ready to drive organizational strategy and executive leadership for the next generation of ambitious global projects.

Key Milestones

• Zuma (London, Hong Kong, Miami): Operational backbone for a global benchmark in contemporary Japanese dining.

• Morimoto Dubai: Orchestrated the high-stakes opening at the Renaissance Downtown, cementing a luxury brand opening in a cutthroat market.

• JW Marriott Marquis: Commanding culinary operations for a massive 12-restaurant ecosystem with 300 chefs + ground-up development of 5 new concepts.

"A specialist in multicultural team leadership and concept development, Miguel bridges the gap between creative culinary artistry and bottom-line profitability. He is a strategic partner for owners and developers looking to launch ambitious projects or optimize existing high-volume operations through precision, discipline, and technical expertise."

"Leveraging advanced technical proficiency in the latest industry software and digital tools, Miguel brings a modern, tech-forward edge to operational management."

Medium to long term objective is to transition this extensive background in high-stakes hospitality into a broader executive leadership role, driving organizational strategy and excellence beyond the kitchen.