Food is Memories

   James Knight-Paccheco is a culinary expert with over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. Having worked alongside renowned chefs such as Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsay earlier in his career, James now leads his own consultancy firm, Group JKP. His illustrious journey includes appearances on BBC cooking shows and roles in prestigious luxury hotels and restaurants across the UK and the Middle East.

     Recognized for his influence and excellence in the culinary world, James was named one of the 50 most influential people in food and beverage in the Middle East and Africa by Caterer Middle East. He was also honored as the "Executive Chef of the Year 2019" at the Hotelier Middle East awards and named Chef of the Year 2020 by The Pro Chef Middle East awards.

     In addition to his professional achievements, James is dedicated to supporting the hospitality community. He co-founded the Dubai Chefs Collective, a platform that advocates for mental health awareness among chefs and professionals. James also hosts the Chef JKP Podcast, showcasing inspiring stories from the industry and earning recognition as a top food podcast.

      An engaging speaker and advocate for the hospitality industry, James recently delivered a Tedx Talk in Dubai exploring the profound connection between food and memories. With a profound passion for Dubai and its vibrant culinary scene, James continues to make significant contributions to the hospitality landscape within the MENA region and beyond.