Michelin Guide's new international director named as Gwendal Poullennec
The Michelin Guide has named Gwendal Poullennec as its new International Director, taking over the reigns from Michael Ellis.
Having joined the Michelin group in 2003, Poullennec, 38, has spent the last 12 years in charge of international deployment in the US and Asia. During his tenure he initiated guide launches in New York , San Francisco, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kyoto, Bangkok and Taipei.
In his new role he will manage the guide's 32 editions, reporting directly to Pascal Couasnon, director of gastronomic and tourist activities for the Michelin Group.
Ellis announced his resignation in June, leaving the role to become Chief Culinary Officer at Jumeirah, a luxury hotel brand based in Dubai.
At the time, Ellis said: "The past seven years as head of the MICHELIN guides have been the most exciting of my career and I cannot thank the Michelin Group enough for giving me this unique opportunity.
"The inspectors are the beating heart of this strategic activity, their passion and their expertise are powerful, and I have been honoured to be by their side during these last seven years. Long live the Michelin Guide!"
