Chris Bateman Named Executive Chef of Four Seasons Hualalai

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has named Chris Bateman its new executive chef.

Bateman is a culinary veteran with more than 20 years of experience. Most recently he served as executive chef of Jumeriah Creekside Hotel in Dubai.

However, Bateman is not a stranger to Hawaii or to Four Seasons Resorts.

Prior to working in Dubai, Bateman worked as the chef de cuisine at Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea and as a sous chef at The Pierre, formerly a Four Seasons hotel, in New York City.

“We’re pleased to welcome him into our ohana and are excited about the continual evolution of our award-winning culinary program,” Robert Whitfield, regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, said in a released statement.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Bateman is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys all water sports and experiencing the world’s cultures.

Bateman replaces James Babian, who stepped down from the position at the end of June.

Babian plans to open his own restaurant called Pueo’s Osteria in the Highlands Shopping Center in Waikoloa later this summer.