In the newly created role, Salazar brings a passion for cuisine and an international flair to partner with market-leading chefs and mixologists for menu development, culinary team training and ensuring engaging guest experiences across Interstate’s portfolio.Ê
“As Interstate Hotels & ResortsÊcontinues to evolveÊas the leader in hotel management, we’reÊexpanding our team to be best in class and add value for our hotel owners,”ÊsaysÊMike Deitemeyer, president & CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts. “Fernando has challenged the norm for food and beverage, bringing new ideas and excitement to create truly differentiated experiences.ÊAs our guests’ expectations for locally inspired and authentic food and drink evolve, we look to Fernando to inspire our teams to deliver unique experiences.”
Salazar was most recently managing director of theÊCulinary Institute of AmericaÊ(San AntonioÊcampus), and was named as the official ambassador of the CIA based on his creativity and leadership.Ê Previously, he held top food and beverage positions at Westin Hotels & Resorts, Omni Hotels & Resorts and Helmsley Hotels inÊManhattan. Salazar created the International Tapas competition that evolved into the World Tapas Competition held every year inÊSpain, as well as the International Black Truffles competition.
Salazar was honored with the Silver Plate Award as Hotel Operator of the Year and theÊCulinary InstituteÊofÊAmerica Gold MedalÊof Honor. He is the first non-Spaniard to be inducted into the Royal Academy of Spanish Gastronomy, and he has been named the Universal Culinary Ambassador of Spain.
