Executive Chef – Hilton Cairo Grand Nile

Dimitrios Koutsonikolas is a highly experienced Greek Executive Chef with over four decades of international expertise in the hospitality and culinary industry. His distinguished career began in Greece and expanded across leading Hilton properties and international luxury hotels in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Egypt, and South Africa. Over the years, he has held senior leadership roles—including Executive Chef, Culinary Director, and Culinary Coordinator—overseeing comprehensive culinary operations, food and beverage services, stewarding, hygiene, and talent development.

During his tenure in Egypt, particularly at the Ramses Hilton Cairo, Chef Dimitrios played a pivotal role in elevating regional culinary standards. His accomplishments include winning the Hilton Egypt & Levant Executive Chef of the Year award (2014), the EMEA Food & Beverage Award of Excellence (2016), and a nomination for Middle East Executive Chef of the Year. Beyond operational excellence, he is deeply committed to education and mentorship, having spearheaded an acclaimed apprenticeship program with the Hospitality Training Association of South Africa. Blending traditional Greek culinary heritage with international standards, his 40-year journey stands as a testament to leadership, continuous learning, and dedication to inspiring future generations of chefs.

Meet the Culinary Jury Members of the ECA Live Cooking Competitions at HACE 2026