New Executive Chef

Engelberg, January 16, 2025 – Kempinski Palace Engelberg is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrea Magnano as its new Executive Chef. With over 33 years of experience in international gastronomy, the Italian native brings an impressive career history and is set to  elevate the culinary vision of the hotel to new heights. 

Andrea Magnano began his career at the age of 13 and has since worked in renowned kitchens  across five continents. From fine-dining restaurants to luxury hotels and cruise ships, he has  established himself as a creative and innovative chef. Specializing in a blend of Mediterranean and  Nikkei cuisine, his approach is enriched by sustainable practices and the use of premium ingredients.  Most recently, Magnano served as Executive Chef at the Grand Kempinski Shanghai, leading a team  of 138 employees and playing a key role in the development of new concepts in luxury gastronomy. 

"We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished professional to the Kempinski Palace Engelberg  family," said Andreas Magnus, General Manager of the hotel. "With his remarkable international  experience and passion for innovative and sustainable cuisine, Andrea will enrich our culinary vision  and offer our guests extraordinary dining experiences. I look forward to working with him to further  develop our gastronomic offerings." 

Andrea Magnano succeeds Dennis Siesser, who previously led the kitchen team at Frutt Mountain  Resort, managed by Kempinski, for two years before transitioning to the role of Executive Chef at  Kempinski Palace Engelberg last year. 

Commenting on his move to Engelberg, Magnano said: "The natural beauty of the mountains reminds  me of my home in the Aosta Valley. It feels like coming home." In addition to his passion for innovative  flavor compositions, Magnano is fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, and French – a skill that allows him  to personally engage with guests from around the world. 

Responsibility and Vision at Kempinski Palace Engelberg 

As Executive Chef, Andrea Magnano will oversee all culinary operations and lead the strategic development of the Food & Beverage sector at Kempinski Palace Engelberg. This includes the Cattani Restaurant, known for its French cuisine with Swiss influences, the historic Palace Bar, offering a stylish atmosphere, live music, and seasonal snacks, and in the winter season the cozy Chalet Ruinart, where guests can enjoy alpine classics such as fondue, raclette, and champagne in a unique setting. "I look forward to combining local Swiss ingredients with my international experience to  offer our guests unique culinary experiences," said Magnano. 

 

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Media Contact:
Kempinski Palace Engelberg
Mrs. Brenda Lavra
Director of Marketing & Communications
T +41 41 556 4057
[email protected]

PRfact AG
Sandra Strickler
Managing Partner
[email protected]

 

About Kempinski Palace Engelberg 
Raw luxury - the new Kempinski Palace Engelberg is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, not far from Lucerne  (www.kempinski.com/engelberg). After five full years of construction, the palatial building high up in the mountains  was re-opened in June 2021 and re-interpreted for the next generation as a unique hotel reminiscent of the Belle  Epoque era. In harmony with nature, history and the modern era, the building is something truly special in its  environment. As the first and only international five-star superior hotel in the largest winter and summer holiday  destination of Central Switzerland, Kempinski Palace Engelberg is a retreat for all seasons. The historical building  was famous far beyond the borders of Switzerland as far back as more than one hundred years ago when  successful Engelberg hotelier, Eduard Cattani (1841 – 1908), commissioned his brother, architect Arnold Cattani  (1846 – 1921), to design and realise the hotel. In 1904, it opened under the name of Grandhotel Winterhaus  thereby setting the cornerstone for today’s building. After extensive renovations and combined with the new five story hotel, it now forms one perfect architectural unit. The 129 rooms and suites feature state-of-the-art facilities  and offer a unique view of the breathtaking mountain landscape. Culinary variety is provided by the Cattani  Restaurant which offers a brasserie concept, The Palace Bar with its Habanos Cigar Lounge, the Wintergarden,  and, in the winter, the cosy Chalet Ruinart. An unparalleled, round 880 sqm rooftop spa with an infinity pool and a  panoramic view of the mountains, a Kids Club and a modern events area with nine rooms as well as an  entertainment area, the listed Kursaal*, for up to 1000 guests round off the varied offering. The hotel is easily  reached year-round by car, train or via a 75-minute drive from Zurich Airport.  
kempinski.com/engelberg 

*The Kursaal is managed by Kursaal AG Engelberg (www.kursaalengelberg.ch). This company is not part of  Kempinski Palace Engelberg – Titlis Swiss Alps. 

About Kempinski Hotels 
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable  personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties.  Today the Kempinski Group operates 82 hotels and residences in 35 countries and currently has more than 28  prestigious projects under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of  the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect  from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark  properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a  founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.  

kempinski.com www.ghadiscovery.com