Andrew Yeo becomes Hakkasan executive chef after Tong Chee Hwee departure

Andrew Yeo has been named as Hakkasan's new corporate executive chef, replacing Tong Chee Hwee who has led the group's kitchen since its inception 18 years ago.

Formerly executive chef at the Ritz-Carlton company and the Miami Beach Edition, Yeo brings 20 years of experience to the 12 restaurant group. Born and raised in Singapore, the chef has helped launched several hotel sites including overseeing the culinary direction of the Shanghai Edition and Ritz-Carlton properties in Montreal, Hong Kong and Dove Mountain, Arizona in the US.

He said: "I'm incredibly excited to join Hakkasan Group, which has been recognised all over the world for its artful interpretations of Chinese cuisine.

"I look forward to working with the talented culinary creatives at the company to bring our global restaurants to even greater heights."

The appointment follows the departure of Tong Chee Wee, who joined the company in 2001 after moving to England from the Ritz Carlton Singapore on Alan Yau's request. Under his stewardship, Hakkasan Hanway Place became the first Chinese restaurant in the UK to be awarded a Michelin star in 2003.

A Hakkasan spokesperson said Tong had moved on "to pursue other projects", adding "we wish him the best in his endeavours".

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