Recognising Antony Mbugua: The Kenyan Chef Leading Ethiopian Airlines’ Culinary Operations, Who Has Worked in 6 Countries and Speaks 4 Languages

Antony Mbugua is a executive chef whose expertise has seen him work for global hotel chains. Currently, he leads Ethiopian Airlines’ culinary operations as an executive chef.

“I have built a distinguished career delivering exceptional dining experience for VIP clients, world leaders and high profile organisations,” he notes.

Education

Mbugua studied Food Preparation and Food Industry at the Institute of Commercial Management, in Bournemouth, England.

Career

Mbugua has worked in at least 6 countries and speaks four languages: Swahili, English, French and Arabic.

He began his international career at the Sheraton, Dubai, and later did a pre-opening of the St. Regis, Doha. His culinary expertise later took him to Maldives where he continued to hone his skills. He subsequently worked with renowned hospitality brands like Jumeirah, Hilton, Universal, and Starwood before moving to Seychelles where he was employed at Blue Safari.

Mbugua worked as a sous chef for Marriott Hotels in Oman between January 2019 and February 2021.

He then served as a senior sous chef at Four Seasons Hotels in Cayman Islands. Part of his duties were: Food cost analysis, culinary management, food preparation and catering.

Between 2023 and January 2026, he worked for London Cafe as a senior executive chef.

Ethiopian Airlines

He advanced his career when he joined Ethiopian Airlines in January 2026, working as an executive chef. His duties are: Leading complex culinary operations, driving menu innovation and ensuring food safety compliance.

Advice to Aspiring Chefs

His advice to young people who want to take their culinary experience higher is that they should first master the necessary knowledge and skills, trusting that the rest will fall into place.

“Please work hard to earn your experience and knowledge first. Fill up your brains with knowledge and ideas so that later, they will be able to fill up your pockets. Let knowledge be your passport for everywhere you wish to go,” he says as quoted by East Africa Chef.