Kadir Kalay, who graduated from Balıkesir University, Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, started his career by working in different positions at Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet and Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus. Joining the Raffles Istanbul family in 2018 as the Reception Manager, Kalay then assumed the role of Front Office Manager & Head Concierge. Promoted to the position of Deputy Director of the Rooms Department in 2023, Kalay continues his successful career journey as the Director of the Rooms Department as of January 1, 2025.

Having successfully completed many international programs and undertaken independent projects in the field of hotel management throughout his career, Kadir Kalay will continue to provide flawless service to Raffles Istanbul guests in his new role with his deep knowledge of the tourism sector, goal-oriented approach and reliable leadership.

Source: HORECA TREND and Raffles Istanbul

Combining luxury and a friendly ambiance at the same point The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul appointed a new Executive Chef. Ali İhsan ÖzkanWith the experience he gained in many luxury hotels and restaurants throughout his career and the unique style he brought to the world of gastronomy, he was appointed as the Exexcutive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul as of March 2025.

Executive Chef Ali İhsan Özkan draws attention with his 30 years of experience in the food and beverage sector. Özkan, who started his career in different resorts and holiday villages in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, worked as Chef De Parti and Sous Chef in the Dedeman Hotel Group in the following years and then gained experience in the Polo restaurant. In 2011, his adventure began in The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul. Having worked in different The Ritz-Carlton hotels such as Jeddah, Bahrain and Oman, Ali İhsan Özkan continued his career journey in The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul from 2011 to the present.

Ali İhsan Özkan, who stands out with his mastery of Turkish and world cuisine, has always kept his knowledge up-to-date with the trainings and certificates he has received, and has also contributed to the training of many young chefs throughout his career. Always careful to use local and seasonal products with sustainable practices in his kitchen, Ali İhsan Özkan will continue to bring together the best examples of Anatolian cuisine with his own interpretation to both local and guests from many countries around the world in his new position.

Source: HORECA TREND and The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

Having over 15 years of experience in the hotel industry, Nazlı İrem graduated from Marmara University, Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, then completed The Hospitality Institute program at University of Miami De Collage and studied Business Administration at Anadolu University.

Having started her career in 2006 in the Housekeeping department at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, İrem returned to Türkiye in 2008 and worked in various positions in the Front Office, Housekeeping and Guest Relations departments at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus until 2014.

He joined the Raffles Istanbul team as Head Butler during the pre-opening period of the hotel and over the years, he assumed important roles in the operational processes of the hotel in key positions such as Head Butler, Front Office and Butler Services Director, Rooms Director and Deputy General Manager.

Having achieved many valuable successes throughout her career, İrem was selected as one of the “10 Extraordinary Employees” worldwide by Raffles Hotels & Resorts and had the privilege of giving an interview to Raffles Magazine. While in the Head Butler position, she and her team achieved the title of “Most Successful Team” of Raffles Istanbul and became one of the founders of Raffles Butler Academy.

Having completed the Haliç University Tourism Management Master's Program, Nazlı İrem will further strengthen the reputation and commercial success of Raffles Istanbul in her new position with her vast experience in running successful operations focused on growing the business.

Source: HORECA TREND and Raffles Istanbul