SAN FRANCISCO, CA | August 7, 2025 – The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is pleased to announce the appointment of George Vanyi as its new Executive Chef, effective July 28, 2025. At the landmark property, George will lead the hotel’s culinary program with a focus on creativity, precision, and exceptionally elevated guest experiences, guided by his passion for mentorship and deep alignment with The Ritz-Carlton brand.
In his new role at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, George will oversee all culinary operations, including The Lounge; the Parallel 37 breakfast experience; in-room dining; and more than 24,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. He is committed to innovating the award-winning hotel’s culinary program while staying true to the Bay Area’s rich and diverse food culture.
With over 20 years of international experience, George most recently served as Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, where he led nine dining outlets—including the acclaimed Banyan Tree and Alaloa Lounge—and managed banquet operations across 150,000 square feet. Under his leadership, the property saw a 40-point rise in employee engagement, stronger F&B profitability, and a swift crisis response during the Lahaina wildfire, where he helped feed thousands of displaced guests and first responders. George has held key culinary roles at Ritz-Carlton properties across Europe, Asia, and North America, including The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street, where he oversaw Michelin Plate-recognized venues, and played a major role in openings such as The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui and The Edition Hotel Rome. His work has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide and Gambero Rosso and includes global collaborations with THE PALACE MUSEUM and Lane Crawford.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef George Vanyi to our leadership team,” said Nicholas McDermott, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. “His creativity, resilience, and people-first leadership are a perfect fit for our continued pursuit of culinary distinction. We look forward to the exceptional guest experiences he will create, from destination dining to unforgettable banquet moments.”
A global talent with a refined approach to luxury cuisine, George combines classic technique with a deep respect for local ingredients and global flavors. His expertise spans Italian and Asian culinary traditions, fine dining, banquet execution, and pre-opening strategy. At The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, George’s global perspective and refined culinary sensibility will further enhance the hotel’s position as a premier destination for elevated dining in the Bay Area.