Global Hospitality and F&B Leadership Expert

Romain Taverne is an international hospitality leader with more than 18 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the opening and operation of more than 50 restaurants worldwide, collaborating with celebrated chefs and luxury brands to deliver experiences rooted in both excellence and care.

Most recently, Romain served as Regional Director of Food & Beverage for Aman for the Americas. In this role, he strengthened and repositioned the group’s existing properties by elevating the entire food and beverage product and guest experience, while shaping a new internal culture of F&B excellence. He created Aman’s first dedicated F&B learning and development platform, complete with exclusive training content and educational resources—establishing the foundation of a culture and passion for F&B. Alongside this, Romain worked closely with Aman’s development team, serving as a key voice and driver in the planning of more than 11 new properties set to open by 2030, encompassing over 70+ restaurants, bars and private membership spaces.

Prior to Aman, he was Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Make It Nice Hospitality, working alongside Chef Daniel Humm. During this time, he strengthened the financial success of Eleven Madison Park’s plant-based model, launched Eleven Madison Home, and played a central role in the strategic development of new concepts including what would later become the Clemente Bar and Studio. During his tenure, Eleven Madison Park retained its three Michelin stars in 2022, making history as the first restaurant in the world to do so with a fully plant-based menu.

Romain also spent seven years with Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, ultimately serving as Global Vice President of Operations. In that role, he oversaw 49 restaurants worldwide and contributed to more than 20 openings in cities such as London, Monaco, Marrakech, Doha, and New York. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at The Mercer Hotel, Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah, and Michelin-starred restaurants in London, while also sharing his expertise as a guest lecturer at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai.

Beyond his operational work, Romain is the founder of HPT Hospitality—named after the three simple words: hello, please, thank you; which he believes form the essence of true luxury. Built on this philosophy, HPT partners with hotels, restaurants, and leading luxury houses to reimagine customer experience, retail engagement, and team culture—supporting brands connect more meaningfully with both clients and colleagues.

Romain’s career reflects not only deep operational expertise, but also a visionary approach to rethinking how hospitality and luxury brands engage with people. His focus on innovation, culture, and experience continues to influence the way the next generation of global hospitality is imagined and delivered.

Areas of Expertise

1. Beyond the Lobby: Translating Hospitality into the Language of Modern Luxury Brands
   How hospitality principles can transform the way luxury brands connect with people.
2. The New Private World: Rethinking Membership for a Generation Seeking Belonging
   How private membership concepts are evolving as standalone destinations and as extensions of luxury hotels and residences.

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