When you have served some of the world’s high profile leaders including His Holiness, the 14th
Dalai Lama, Elizabeth II, the Queen of England, Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, Albert II Sovereign Prince of Monaco, former President of the United States Bill Clinton, Chancellor
Dr Helmut Kohl, as well as corporate identities such as Sir Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Michael Schumacher, what would be your next challenge?

The answer is, heading to one of the Middle East’s newest and largest convention and exhibition venues, the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

QNCC General Manager, Paul D’Arcy has confirmed the appointment of some of the convention industry’s most experienced and talented individuals to head up the venue’s operations and catering teams Detlef Haupt as Executive Chef, Cathy Neagle as Director of Operations and Jeremy Hagenbach as Director of Food & Beverage will join the QNCC’s executive team in the coming months.

“The progressive nature of Qatar and its vision to become a world leader in science and education is not only gaining interest from organisers of conventions, exhibitions and events, it is also attracting topflight industry professionals who want to be part of this growth,” said D’Arcy.

Executive Chef Detlef Haupt previously worked in the Middle East, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia. Detlef cannot wait to immerse himself in Qatari culture, and to source local produce and create new supplier channels.

On accepting the position of Director of Operations, Cathy Neagle said it is incredibly exciting to be part of the pre-opening team and working in this emerging and dynamic region.  

Director of Food & Beverage, Jeremy Hagenbach said the reason he was attracted to Doha was his passion to work with people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

When the Centre opens in 2011, it will be one of Qatar’s largest employers in the hospitality sector with an anticipated core contingent of 250 employees.