The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur has appointed Marco Erba as its new Executive Chef, ushering in a fresh chapter for the hotel’s culinary programme. Bringing more than 15 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, Erba assumes leadership of the luxury property’s diverse dining portfolio, further strengthening its position as one of Kuala Lumpur’s leading gastronomic destinations.
Having built his career across Italy, France, Australia, China, Qatar and South Korea before arriving in Malaysia, Erba’s culinary philosophy has been shaped by a broad understanding of regional traditions, classical techniques and contemporary hospitality. His appointment reflects The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur‘s continued commitment to thoughtful dining experiences rooted in craftsmanship, seasonality and refined service.
Before joining the House of Astor, Erba served as Executive Chef at a luxury hotel in Shanghai, overseeing multiple restaurants and leading large multicultural culinary teams. His career has included the opening of several hotel dining concepts, alongside menu development across a variety of cuisines and formats. He was also recognised with the Chef of the Year title at the China Feast Restaurant Awards, acknowledging his contribution to the region’s hospitality landscape.
Leading a Diverse Culinary Portfolio
At The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, Erba will oversee every aspect of the hotel’s food and beverage programme, guiding the culinary direction across its signature dining venues.
This includes The Brasserie, the hotel’s MICHELIN-Selected French restaurant, alongside The Drawing Room, where the St. Regis Afternoon Tea tradition continues to be one of the property’s defining rituals. He will also oversee Crystal, the hotel’s elegant venue for celebrations and private events, as well as the iconic Astor Bar, recognised for its refined cocktail programme and bespoke guest experiences.
Working closely with the hotel’s culinary team, Erba is expected to introduce seasonal menus and new dining experiences while preserving the timeless character that defines the St. Regis brand. His approach places equal emphasis on technical precision and collaborative leadership, viewing strong kitchen culture as the foundation of memorable hospitality.
A New Chapter for the House of Astor
Reflecting on his appointment, Erba described joining The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur as an opportunity to contribute to a hotel known for its enduring traditions and commitment to excellence.
General Manager Philipp Haupenthal noted that Erba’s international experience and creative perspective align naturally with the hotel’s ambitions, expressing confidence that his leadership will continue to elevate its dining destinations.
The appointment comes as luxury hotels increasingly place greater emphasis on culinary identity as a defining part of the guest experience. For The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, which has long established itself as a destination for both residents and international travellers, Erba’s arrival signals a continued focus on evolving its gastronomic offering while remaining faithful to the brand’s hallmarks of impeccable service and timeless elegance.
With a career spanning multiple continents and an approach grounded in both classical technique and contemporary sensibilities, Marco Erba begins his tenure at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur with the opportunity to shape the next chapter of one of Malaysia’s most recognised luxury dining addresses.
