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Virgin Hotels Collection, the award-winning hospitality group behind Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition, have announced the appointment of Jason Rochaleau as Corporate Food and Beverage Director, Americas and Barry Vera as Director of Culinary and Beverage, EMEA. The appointments mark a further step in the Collection’s commitment to creating distinctive food and beverage experiences that bring people together, celebrate culture, and leave guests feeling better.
Jason is a senior hospitality operations executive with more than 20 years of experience leading multi-unit restaurant and hospitality concepts across luxury hotels, resorts, and standalone dining destinations. Currently serving as Corporate Director of Food & Beverage, he is known for driving operational excellence, revenue growth, and team development. Previously, he spent 13 years as Vice President of Operations at Mina Group, overseeing concept development, new openings, P&L management, staffing, and guest experience strategy. Throughout his career, Jason has partnered with leading hospitality brands including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and MGM Resorts International, while building strong teams and lasting customer relationships. In his role with Virgin Hotels, Jason brings his extensive operational leadership experience and passion for hospitality to support exceptional guest experiences, strong team culture, and continued growth across the property’s food and beverage operations.
“Across Virgin Hotels Collection in the Americas, our approach to food and beverage is rooted in creating experiences that feel both elevated and effortlessly approachable. We’re focused on bold flavors, thoughtful sourcing, and menus that reflect the energy and individuality of each destination. Whether it’s a signature cocktail, a locally inspired dish, or a dynamic dining concept, our goal is to create moments that feel personal, memorable, and unmistakably Virgin—experiences guests come back to not just for the food, but for the atmosphere, people, and connection that come with it,” said Jason Rochaleau, Corporate Food and Beverage Director, Americas.
Barry Vera is an accomplished culinary and hospitality executive with more than 35 years of international experience spanning hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and events. Throughout his career, he has led culinary operations, concept development, and large-scale hospitality openings across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He previously served as Culinary Director Europe for The ONE Group, where he helped develop and launch concepts including ME London and Milan, STK London, STK Ibiza, Radio Rooftop and Heliot Steak House. Barry has also led hospitality ventures through concept and development for hotel F&B operations. Also, as Managing Director for luxury events across London and pop-ups at Royal Ascot while bringing a strong background in culinary strategy, operations, brand development, and guest experience. In addition to his hospitality leadership, he hosted the Discovery Channel series “Feast,” filmed across India, Syria, Morocco, and Greece and broadcast in more than 80 countries. In his role with Virgin Hotels Collection, Barry will bring his global culinary perspective and expertise in concept innovation to create dynamic food and beverage experiences while leading teams and driving creativity across the hotel’s dining programming.
“Across Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition, our food and beverage philosophy is all about combining a strong sense of place with the spirit of the Virgin brand – warm, playful, intuitive and a little unexpected. We take pride in championing local producers and seasonal ingredients, while creating menus and experiences that feel vibrant, social and full of personality. From morning coffee through to late-night cocktails, every touchpoint is an opportunity to make guests feel looked after, connected to the destination and part of something memorable,” said Barry Vera, Director of Culinary and Beverage, EMEA.