Antony Kamotho Mbugua, a Kenyan chef with 17 years of international experience, has joined Ethiopian Airlines as Executive Chef. His professional journey has taken him to luxury hotels across seven countries, including Dubai, Qatar, the Maldives, Kuwait, Oman, the Cayman Islands, and Seychelles. Mbugua's extensive experience in luxury hospitality, menu development, food production, and large-scale catering operations makes him a valuable asset to the airline. He oversees key culinary operations within the airline's in-flight catering department.
Mbugua's career began at Sheraton in Dubai, where he gained valuable experience in an international hospitality environment. He subsequently participated in the pre-opening of The St. Regis Doha in Qatar, an experience that exposed him to the demands of establishing culinary operations at a luxury hotel. His career continued to advance when he joined PER AQUUM Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives, serving as Demi Chef de Partie between November 2012 and January 2015.
Mbugua has worked with renowned hospitality groups such as Jumeirah, Hilton, Universal, and Starwood, as well as Blue Safari in Seychelles. His professional background also includes experience working with celebrity chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. These experiences have added to his exposure to international culinary standards, innovative food preparation techniques, and the expectations of high-end dining establishments.
In addition to his experience in luxury hospitality, Mbugua holds qualifications in Hospitality Administration and Management from the Institute of Commercial Management in Bournemouth, England. His training covered various aspects of culinary and hospitality operations, including food preparation, menu development, kitchen management, food cost analysis, inventory control, quality assurance, and food safety.
Mbugua brings an additional advantage to his international career: he speaks four languages, including English, Kiswahili, Arabic, and French. At Ethiopian Airlines, he oversees important aspects of in-flight catering, a demanding operation that requires consistency, efficiency, and attention to detail. His responsibilities include leading large-scale food production, driving menu innovation, and ensuring that meals meet strict food safety and quality standards.
Mbugua's appointment comes as Ethiopian Airlines continues to receive international recognition for its in-flight catering services. The airline won the PAX International Readership Award for Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier – Africa in both 2025 and 2026. His experience preparing meals for VIP clients, world leaders, and high-profile organisations has further shaped his approach to delivering premium dining experiences.
For Mbugua, leading culinary operations at Ethiopian Airlines represents another chapter in a career built across continents, prestigious hospitality establishments, and some of the world's most demanding kitchens. His appointment is a significant achievement for the Kenyan professional, whose international experience has seen him work with some of the world's most recognised hospitality brands and renowned culinary personalities.
Key points
- Mbugua has 17 years of international experience in luxury hospitality.
- He has worked with renowned hospitality groups such as Jumeirah, Hilton, Universal, and Starwood.
- Mbugua speaks four languages, including English, Kiswahili, Arabic, and French.
