Francois Leroux Takes Leadership Role at the Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) has exciting news! As of January 29, 2026, chef and global leader Francois Leroux has officially joined its prestigious team as Vice President—Consumer Businesses and Chief Guest Experience Officer. In this newly established role, Leroux’s primary responsibility will involve leading CIA's consumer-facing sectors, including food and beverage enthusiast programs, retail initiatives, and visitor engagement experiences both at the CIA's New York campus and its various branches across the United States.

Francois Leroux is not new to innovation; he is recognized for his ability to design and execute transformative guest experiences for leading brands like Disney, Cirque du Soleil, and Carnival Corporation. His vast experience covers a wide range of industries including entertainment, hospitality, food and beverage, and media, all of which positions him uniquely to elevate the CIA’s mission.

Notably, Leroux played a crucial role at Carnival Corporation, where he orchestrated the launch of the Ocean Medallion technology that revolutionized onboard guest experiences. In addition, he has received accolades such as Emmy nominations for various shows and has delivered keynotes at the Consumer Electronics Show focusing on hospitality. This track record illustrates his commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing new technologies to enhance guest interactions.

CIA President Michiel Bakker expressed enthusiasm about making Leroux part of the leadership team, acknowledging that his robust track of creating impactful guest experiences aligns perfectly with the Institute's mission of continuing its legacy of leadership and innovation in the food and hospitality sectors. Bakker emphasized that Leroux’s expertise will not only respect the institution’s esteemed past but will also help in shaping its future ventures.

As Leroux himself stated, “I’m incredibly excited and honored to join CIA at this pivotal moment in its history…It's a privilege to help guide the next wave of innovation for an organization with such a strong legacy and boundless creativity.” His eagerness to embark on this journey reflects his understanding of the CIA's global role in educating individuals who shape exceptional guest experiences across diverse sectors and cultures.

Leroux’s academic background includes a Law degree from the University of Quebec in Montreal and a degree in Human Sciences from the College Edward Mont-Petit in Longueuil, Quebec. These qualifications add to the wealth of knowledge that he brings to the CIA, ensuring a well-rounded approach toward engaging students and guests alike.

The Culinary Institute of America, founded in 1946, has earned a significant reputation for nurturing food, beverage, and hospitality leaders. As an independent, not-for-profit institution, the CIA offers a range of degree programs from associate to master’s levels in various culinary arts specialties. It also provides executive education, certificate courses, and educational paths tailored for both professionals and food enthusiasts. Its global alumni network of nearly 60,000 former students includes innovators who are making their mark in the food industry worldwide.

With Leroux at the helm of its consumer businesses, the CIA is poised to continue advancing its mission while enhancing guest experiences to a level that would imaginatively blend digital innovation, storytelling, and operational mastery. This evolution in approach presents a promising future not just for the Institute but for culinary education and guest experiences on a broader scale.

For more information on the Culinary Institute of America’s programs and initiatives, visit CIA’s official website.