Nicolas Budzynski

French-born Nicolas Budzynski describes himself as “a dynamic restaurant professional, self-driven, with a passion for delivering unique experiences to guests.” As a goal-oriented individual, he handles challenges with a forte in project and change management and concept creation. Working as the Chief Executive Officer for LPM Restaurant & Bar, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Nicolas oversees the long-term strategy and objectives of the company globally. Under his leadership, he is responsible for growing and expanding LPM’s global presence, and is committed to building on its success and driving the brand forward, while maintaining his focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and ensuring the well-being and development of his team. Since his appointment in March 2019 as Global Operations Director of LPM, Nicolas has accomplished significant achievements with a humble approach. Some of which include helping the brand grow with three new locations in Riyadh, Limassol, and Doha, while fully renovating two of their flagships in both London and Dubai. In addition, his efforts to put LPM Restaurant & Bar Middle East on the map resulted in the company being officially recognized in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Middle East and Africa debut list in 2022, ranking Dubai and Riyadh in 8th and 42nd place respectively. After running for 12 years since its opening, LPM Restaurant & Bar Dubai closed during the summer months for a venue refresh. Meanwhile, LPM Restaurant & Bar opened its 4th GCC venue in Doha’s Al Maha Island, bringing the company’s global presence up to 8 restaurants. However, one of the brand’s pioneering venues is currently its Riyadh location. Since its opening, LPM Restaurant & Bar Riyadh has become a leader and reference for the industry, driving revenue and profit on the rise in a complex market. Another accomplishment by Nicolas was spearheading the launch of LPM Restaurant & Bar’s signature cocktail menu, Jean Cocteau. The menu helped place LPM Restaurant & Bar as one of the top 10 restaurant bars in the world in the Tales of the Cocktail in 2022. One of Nicolas’ biggest objectives is LPM Restaurant & Bar’s brand development, how to keep it timeless but relevant as trends come and go in the industry and as the company continues to grow across the globe. The brand identity and different brand elements such as the company logo or brand book have evolved while reinforcing the vision of its Founders. Last but not least is Nicolas’ vision on the development of LPM Restaurant & Bar’s working culture to establish a low employee turnover. Nicolas focuses on implementing individual development plans, globally transferring staff members, and aiding benefits and bonuses. Following his impressive track record, Nicolas was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of LPM in January 2023. As LPM Restaurant & Bar's CEO, Nicolas will continue to prioritise the brand's vision and mission, drive innovation, and ensure top guest experiences across all locations. His leadership and direction are expected to further strengthen the brand's position as a global leader in the hospitality industry. Nicolas graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from the Institute Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France. From the time of his graduation, he gained experience across various markets and regions (including Middle East, Turkey, Asia, Europe, and the USA) with a focus on development and operations. His exposure and experience of two recession periods in the GCC region (Dubai in 2008, Bahrain in 2011) have sharpened his skills in analysing situations to make the best possible strategic choices to enhance the business and limit risks. After numerous promotions within the brand, working as an Operations Director for Asia with Zuma, Nicolas was granted the opportunity to lead the region for operations and development, once again focusing on the strategic leadership of existing processes, as well as new projects and renovations. As he describes his work, “In Hong Kong, my role was to ensure a transition from a regional reporting line to a global one, while leading the business to new heights.” Taking over responsibilities from the former Regional Managing Director, Nicolas’s coverage extended to adjust operating standards, reorganisation of the management team, and oversight of financials, development, human resources, legal, and regional responsibilities. As part of his previous work with Zuma in Istanbul, Nicolas faced another transitional period. At the time of his employment, he took over the responsibility of the Istanbul location, with a priority to ensure a smooth transition from the previous management and implement the systems of Zuma per their global standards. This approach involved operations, restructuring, and development and strategy. Prior to his work with Zuma, Nicolas worked in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In charge of restaurant operations for International Hotels Establishment, a private business of Bahrain's Prime Minister, Nicolas engaged with existing premium businesses and upcoming projects for the restaurant division. This work included reorganising the restaurant division by creating proper Standard Operating Procedures to help current and future operations, and to overall assist the Head Office to have a better understanding of the day to day business, through the creation and implementation of accurate and precise control tools. Nicolas’s earlier career runs an array of other recognizable projects and restaurant groups, including Fauchon and the Jumeirah Group, including restaurants and the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel.