Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2025
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Current

Employment History

• One & Only Resorts, Athens & Kea Island; Edition Hotels, Reykjavik; The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman; The Luxury Collection Limassol

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, Hospitality Management

Birthplace

• Sparta, Greece

Languages Spoken

• Greek, English               

With a career spanning prestigious global hospitality brands, Leonidas Drogkaris brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for excellence to his role as Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. His leadership is defined by a deep understanding of guest expectations, operational precision, and a commitment to innovation in the luxury dining space.

Leonidas’ journey in the food and beverage industry began at an early age, inspired by the artistry of hospitality and the transformative power of exceptional service. His first role in hospitality—as a drink runner—instilled in him an appreciation for the dedication and teamwork required at every level of the industry. As he progressed to managing a Michelin-starred restaurant, he honed his expertise in quality, precision, and the art of curating extraordinary guest experiences. His formal studies in hospitality management provided a strong foundation, but it was the combination of hands-on experience and structured learning that shaped his dynamic approach to food and beverage leadership.

Over the years, Leonidas has held key roles at world-renowned luxury brands, each contributing to his well-rounded perspective on the industry. At One & Only, he mastered the craft of curating bespoke, high-end dining experiences. His tenure at Edition Hotels strengthened his ability to develop brand identity and trend-forward to food and beverage concepts. At The Ritz-Carlton, he refined his expertise in service excellence and personalized guest engagement. At The Luxury Collection, he embraced the importance of cultural authenticity and storytelling through cuisine. Joining Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh was a natural next step in his career, offering an opportunity to lead a diverse and ambitious to food and beverage operation in a rapidly evolving market. The brand’s unwavering dedication to innovation and guest-centric service aligns seamlessly with his professional philosophy.

Throughout his career, Leonidas has launched acclaimed dining venues, collaborated with world-renowned chefs, and developed high-performing teams dedicated to service excellence. His leadership has been instrumental in earning industry accolades, such as achieving the #1 ranking in to food and beverage satisfaction within the Edition and Marriott portfolio in the UK and Nordics.

Leonidas believes in leading by example, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and passion. His hands-on approach ensures that his team remains empowered and motivated to deliver the highest standards. By prioritizing mentorship, continuous training, and a shared vision for excellence, he cultivates an environment where creativity thrives alongside operational discipline. Balancing consistency with innovation is at the core of his management philosophy. He emphasizes strong service foundations—well-trained teams, meticulous standards, and attention to detail—while simultaneously encouraging creativity and flexibility to push the boundaries of luxury dining.

Overseeing an extensive portfolio of dining venues—including Café Boulud, Pierre Hermé, Obaya Lounge, Tonic Bar, In-Room Dining, Catering, and Le Carré offsite catering—Leonidas thrives on the challenge of maintaining distinct yet cohesive experiences across each concept. His vision is to solidify Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh as the ultimate dining destination, where every venue delivers a unique and memorable culinary journey.

For Leonidas, an exceptional dining experience is one that engages all the senses and creates a lasting emotional connection with guests. His team is dedicated to crafting moments that guests remember—whether through an outstanding dish, impeccable service, or a thoughtful personal touch. Recognizing key trends shaping the luxury dining industry, he is focused on personalization, tailoring experiences to guest preferences, advancing mindful, locally sourced dining, and redefining fine dining with a more relaxed yet high-quality approach. By embracing these trends, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh will remain at the forefront of culinary innovation, continuously evolving to meet and exceed guest expectations.

Moving to Riyadh has been an exciting chapter for Leonidas and his family. Immersed in a city undergoing tremendous growth, he appreciates the vibrant culinary scene, which blends deep-rooted traditions with modern innovation. His wife Christina and son Michael have embraced life in Saudi Arabia, drawn to its strong sense of community and family-oriented culture. Beyond his professional life, Leonidas is passionate about gastronomy, travel, and cultural exploration. His love for Mediterranean cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavours, continues to influence his culinary philosophy. At the heart of his approach is a simple yet profound belief: "Exceptional dining is not just about great food—it’s about creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression."