Trattoria Toscana at Madinat Jumeirah has made key management appointments with a new head chef and GM.

Having worked in the food and beverage industry in the Middle East since 2009, Italian-born Antonio Lacovelli joins Trattoria Toscana as head chef, while Giuseppe Di Martino has been appointed as the new general manager.

Emma Banks, general manager of Jumeirah Restaurant Group said: “We are delighted to have both Antonio and Giuseppe on board at Trattoria Toscana, they will help lead the team to the highest of standards while working on even more authentic menus and improving guest experience.

“With such impressive resumes and extensive international experience, we are looking forward to getting some fresh new ideas on board.”

Most recently chef de cuisine at Il Capo Restaurant, The Westin Al Habtoor City and Level 7 at W Hotel Al Habtoor City, Lacovelli was part of the launch team across both venues.

He brings extensive regional experience, having held positions at Anantara Doha, Marriott al Jaddaf Dubai and Amwaj Rotana Dubai.

This is in addition to international experience working as head chef at Locanda Sibilla in Miami and as chef de partie at two Michelin-star restaurant, El Cellar de Can Roca in Spain.

Lacovelli also spent two years prior to his move to Dubai as executive chef at the Red Monkey Group in Bratislava, where he headed up a team of 44 chefs and oversaw all operations for its three F&B outlets.

At Trattoria Toscana he will be revamping a selection of existing dishes and introducing his own creations.

Italian national, Giuseppe Di Martino has joined Trattoria Toscana from Dubai’s Pierchic, also part of Jumeirah Restaurant Group, where he served as restaurant manager.

Prior to this, Di Martino held positions at the Music Hall nightclub in Lebanon and Dubai.

In his new role, he will be responsible for marketing and sales promotions, hiring, strategy development and evaluating food beverage and service offerings, as well as overseeing a team of 52 colleagues.