Pierre Battaglia: A culinary maestro bids farewell to Ja’s hospitality scene
Published:Sunday | February 23, 2025 | 12:13 AM
When Pierre Battaglia arrived in Jamaica in September 1984 as a young executive sous chef, he planned to stay for just six months, assisting with the openings of Wyndham New Kingston and Montego Bay.
However, fate had other plans. During this time, he met and fell in love with his late first wife, Sharon, and decided to make Jamaica his home. Four decades later, with numerous accolades to his name, including the most recent Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) Golden Tourism Day Award, Battaglia is preparing to retire this summer after 26 years as general manager of Couples Sans Souci.
“I am very pleased that the JTB recognised my years of contribution to the hotel industry,” said Battaglia, a distinguished hotelier, who trained at two of the world’s most prestigious institutions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in food and beverage, specialising in haute cuisine at the renowned Nestlé-sponsored Institute of Stresa Italy in the early 1970s, graduating from the Cordon Bleu culinary school of Paris, and later studying management at Cornell University in New York.
His career has spanned more than 50 years, blending high-end culinary expertise with hotel management across two continents.
Similar to many expatriates, his initial flirt turned into a lifelong romance with Jamaica. Over the years, he has invested in the island and raised his now-adult sons, Alexandre and Christian, on the island, living in Ocho Rios and schooling in Kingston.
His hospitality journey began in 1984 at Wyndham New Kingston before transitioning to Couples Ocho Rios in 1987. In 1993, he joined Grand Lido Sans Souci, later moving to Boscobel Beach in 1996, where he took on the role of general manager. In 1999, he returned to Sans Souci, continuing his legacy of excellence in the industry.
Reflecting on his career, Battaglia remarked, “I have enjoyed the island immensely, and the people have been incredibly welcoming.”
In April of last year, he remarried, tying the knot with Delouise, a villa manager. His stepdaughter, Danielle, is currently pursuing hospitality studies at the University of Technology in St Andrew.
Among his many contributions to the industry, Battaglia serves as bailli of Le Bailliage de La Jamaique, the local chapter of the prestigious international culinary society, Chaine des Rotisseurs.
This esteemed organisation, which dates back to 1248, was first introduced to Jamaica in 1984 by Hans Schenk, executive chef at Sugar Hill Restaurant, Half Moon.
Battaglia became bailli in 2021, hosting his first Chaine dinner at Wyndham New Kingston in 1985, and performed many special dinner events in various hotels and restaurants.
“I started in Paris, France, where I did my apprenticeship, moving on to Switzerland, Milan, Brussels, London, Nice then Jamaica, working with Wyndham, SuperClubs and Couples,” he stated.
Before his international career, he completed a year of military service in Marseille, France.
Recognised as Culinary Chef of the Year by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission in 1989, 1991, and 1993, and later as National Champion of the 2011 Tourism Service Excellence Award, Battaglia has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Battaglia holds particular admiration for the commitment of the Issa family to the Couples Resorts brand, praising their hands-on approach in managing their four properties – Couples Sans Souci, Couples Tower Isle, Couples Negril, and Couples Swept Away.
Though officially retiring, Battaglia hints at staying involved in some capacity during the winter months while also looking forward to travelling and spending time with his grandchildren, Quinton and Teodoro.