Marriott International
Head Bakers Immersed
in French Excellence
Institut LyfeExecutive Education
Our Executive Education centre had the pleasure of welcoming ten exceptional Head Bakers from Marriott International luxury hotels across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for their very first bakery workshop.
Over the course of four days, participants were fully immersed in the art of French baking, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques. Guided by our Chef Instructor Xavier Sacriste, 2024 World Baking Champion, the trainees were able to deepen their knowledge, explore advanced techniques, and apply them directly to their creations.
Our training programme aimed to strengthen the expertise of the head bakers, ensuring exceptional artisanal standards while blending tradition and innovation. It provided an immersive experience, combining theoretical and practical learning and fostering the sharing of skills among participants.
This workshop highlighted the importance of offering professionals high-quality learning opportunities, enabling them to develop new skills and enrich their daily practices. The dedication and passion of the chefs testify to the value of continuing education in achieving culinary excellence and enhancing the guest experience.
Get an insider’s perspective on our partnership with Marriott International in driving culinary excellence: read the exclusive interview with Christian Knerr, Senior Culinary Director, EMEA at Marriott International, below.
Name / Position: Christian Knerr – Senior Culinary Director, EMEA at Marriott International
- What led you to choose our training centre to support your baker-chefs?
We already had a small, shared history: I visited your institute with some colleagues about a year and a half ago, and we immediately envisioned hosting a training together. From that moment, we were convinced you were the right partner. Your institute has an outstanding reputation for culinary excellence and for combining tradition with innovation, two values that resonate deeply with us at Marriott International. For me, it’s not just an institute, it’s truly an institution of excellence.
- What criteria are important to you when selecting a training partner?
The key word for us is partner. We seek real collaboration built on shared goals. Proven expertise, a strong record in professional development, and the ability to tailor programmes to our needs are essential. You’ve shown the flexibility and creativity to design a workshop perfectly suited for our head bakers, and that made all the difference.
- How significant was the presence of our Chef Instructor, World Baking Champion, Xavier Sacriste in your decision?
Enormously significant. As a chef myself, I understand what an extraordinary achievement this title represents: the dedication, passion, knowledge, and craftsmanship behind it. Having a world champion baker like Xavier involved brings immense credibility and inspiration. It motivates our chefs to learn directly from someone at the very top of the craft.
- What has stood out to you in your collaboration with our centre?
The balance between theory and hands-on practice is excellent. Having Xavier leading the training raises the bar tremendously, both technically and creatively. The programme perfectly respects tradition while fostering innovation, that’s a rare and powerful combination.
- What are the main challenges for a hotel group of your scale when it comes to bakery?
Breakfast is one of the most important moments of the guest experience, and bakery plays a vital role in it. Our challenge lies in ensuring consistency, balancing artisanal quality with large-scale production and meeting diverse guest expectations across regions. Especially in destinations like the Middle East, where guests come from all over the world, it’s essential to deliver excellence that satisfies everyone.
- Why is continuous training essential for your teams, even at such an advanced level?
In hospitality, training never stops. Excellence is never static, it evolves constantly. Guest expectations are higher than ever, trends shift, and our chefs must grow with them. Even the most skilled professionals’ benefit from refining their craft and staying inspired. Lifelong learning is what keeps creativity alive.
- If you had to summarize in one sentence what you expect from this partnership, what would you say?
To inspire excellence and elevate the bakery experience across all our hotels, making our guests even happier.
- What is your long-term vision for bakery in hospitality?
For me, bakery is not just a product, it’s an experience. It often represents the first and last impression a guest has, whether at breakfast or dinner. In the long term, we see bakery as a signature element of our hospitality and identity, a way to connect tradition, innovation, and guest delight.
“Excellence is never static. Even the most skilled chefs benefit from refining their craft and staying inspired.”
We warmly thank Christian Knerr, his team and Marriott International for their trust.