At a time when headlines are filled with news of mass layoffs, cost-cutting, and economic uncertainty, veteran hospitality entrepreneur Steven Kamali is betting on something different — people.
Amid the shakeup across industries, Kamali has quietly launched a new international division of his firm, The Chef Agency, aimed at global luxury hospitality recruitment. While many are downsizing, he’s expanding. “The need for quality talent remains the hospitality industry’s greatest challenge,” he says.
Kamali isn’t new to this game. A respected name in the hospitality world, he founded The Chef Agency in 2012 after years of working side-by-side with operators, chefs, and general managers. What he witnessed firsthand was a broken recruitment process.
There was a serious gap between hiring needs and the available recruiting resources. According to Kamali, The Chef Agency serves as a true asset to owners and operators who need trusted, thoughtful hiring solutions. “Our work is rooted in a deep respect for the craft of hospitality.”
Over the years, luxury hospitality has evolved dramatically. The Chef Agency’s approach to talent recruitment has changed to meet the shifting expectations of high-end hotels and resorts.
“Our recruiters grew up in the hospitality industry — working the line, managing the floor, and leading teams. That background has always set us apart. We’re insiders, not outsiders, and that gives us access to a deeper network of talent,” adds Kamali. “As the industry has evolved, so have we — adapting our searches to meet the rising demand for cultural fluency, emotional intelligence, and brand alignment. Luxury hospitality today is about more than technical skill — it’s about intuition, storytelling, and presence.”
This human-first approach is now going global with the launch of its international division to meet the growing demand for skilled hospitality professionals at hotels and resorts in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
When asked why now, he explained, “Demand! These regions are experiencing tremendous growth in luxury development, and with that comes a need for talent that can deliver five-star experiences. We’ve always followed the needs of our clients — and right now, the momentum in these areas is undeniable. We’re excited to deepen our efforts there and bring the same level of excellence we’re known for.”
But expansion doesn’t mean replication. Having worked in so many regions, The Chef Agency does not use the one-size-fits-all approach. Their strategy shifts market by market and role by role. Kamali’s team customizes its approach based on geography. In the U.S., that might mean multiple rounds of video interviews, while in Latin America, it could mean a simple WhatsApp call and a trusted referral. “We tailor our methods to the business norms, communication styles, and cultural nuances of each region,” says Kamali.
Still, their core criteria never wavers. While identifying candidates, The Chef Agency employs a careful process starting with pedigree — where they trained, where they worked, and what shaped their foundation. But presence is just as important. They look for individuals who lead with warmth, emotional intelligence, and a genuine desire to serve. “In luxury hospitality, it’s not just about checking boxes on a résumé; it’s about how someone makes others feel. A gracious personality, combined with a strong service ethos, is what sets exceptional candidates apart.”
Looking ahead, Kamali has his eyes set on Europe as a key growth region, drawn by its deep-rooted traditions in hospitality. But his broader vision is driven by innovation including smarter tools, better data and more thoughtful matchmaking.
“Technology is always at the forefront. We’re investing in smarter systems and deeper analytics to better serve both clients and candidates. Over the next five years, we’ll continue to scale, but always with an eye on personalization. Luxury is about attention to detail, and our recruitment process is no different.”
As other industries reinvent themselves in the face of disruption, Kamali’s focus remains steady on people.