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Tao Group Hospitality prides itself on not only employing world-in-class talent but fosters a work environment that promotes growth for both individuals and teams.  We are proud of the tenure of our team members and the many opportunities they have earned throughout their time with us, here are a few of their stories…

Zoe Doering

Manager of Office Relations
Corporate Office, New York City

Zoe began with Tao Group Hospitality in 2017 as an office coordinator, she has jumped into multiple roles wherever and whenever needed including spearheading vaccination appointments for 350 employees during COVID as well as working on the floor of TAO restaurant to help fill in.

Patrick Prudent

Director of Guest Relations
Corporate Office, Las Vegas

Patrick’s long and impressive career began in 2010 as a server at Beauty & Essex, NY.  He was quickly promoted to Lead Server and then Manager. His successes continued to grow becoming an Operations Manager bringing him to LA and working his way to General Manager of LAVO Ristorante. He’s most recently been promoted to Director of Guest Relations for Corporate in Las Vegas.

Richard Fleming

Senior Nightlife Manager
New York City

Richard began with Tao Group Hospitality in 2003 as a bus boy and through hard work and dedication now oversees all nightlife management for TAO Nightclub, Marquee Nightclub, and LAVO in New York.

Sin-Yan Ng

VP Corporate Controller
Corporate Office, New York City

Sin-Yan initiated her career as a consultant in 2018, later securing a full-time position and ultimately ascending to the role of Vice President of Corporate Controller. Along her journey, she wholeheartedly embraced the culture, community, and opportunities at every step.

Nikki McCutcheon

East Coast Corporate Beverage Director
Corporate Office, New York

Nikki’s career journey has taken her from college to becoming a Sommelier and more. She embarked on this path during her freshman year at college when she joined TAO Downtown. Fueled by her unwavering aspiration for personal and professional development, she ventured into the world of beverages, ultimately ascending to the role of East Coast Corporate Beverage Director within our organization, never once looking back.

Carolina Giraldo

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis
Corporate Office, New York City

Starting in an intern in 2017, Carolina, helped out in various capacities.  Needing to complete a financial object to graduate she joined the finance team, rolling out the companies first round of budgets. This would lead her to opening LAVO Singapore then ultimately to become the Director of Financial Planning & Analyst.

Erin Cayaban

Corporate Pastry Chef
Corporate Office, New York City

Erin began her journey as an executive pastry chef at Moxy Times Square before advancing to Moxy Chelsea and the East Village. She oversees the pastry department, quality control, menus, and specials in all New York venues and collaborates with executive chefs worldwide to craft captivating pastries and desserts for our team members and guests.

Cassandra Davidson

Director of Special Events
Corporate Office, New York City

Cassandra’s journey with us commenced in 2014 when she assumed the role of AM Manager for the Dream downtown. She subsequently earned a promotion to Assistant General Manager, overseeing all F&B venues at the property. After a short hiatus, she rejoined the Tao Group family as an Event Manager at Dream. Her path then led her into the realm of catering, culminating in the exciting opportunity to lead the Events Department, marking a significant milestone in her career with us.

Gabrielle Fernando

VP of Special Projects
Tao Group Hospitality, New York City

In 2014, Gabrielle started as an assistant to Chef Ralph Scamardella, followed by assisting our C-Suite Office in various capacities. Her journey led her to the realm of special projects, where she travels the country with a select group to curate exclusive events for Tao Group Hospitality becoming Director of Special Projects. Gabrielle has recently earned a promotion to VP of Special Projects.

Sarah Schmadtke

Food and Beverage Manager
The Fluer Room, New York City

Sarah commenced her career in hospitality as a cocktail server at PHD Terrace in 2018. After two years of dedication, ambition, and guidance from our leadership team, she achieved her goal of becoming the Food and Beverage Manager at Fluer Room, fulfilling her ambition to advance her career in the hospitality industry.

Alex Mazza

General Manager
TAO Asian Bistro, Los Angeles

In 2018, Alex, embarked on his journey with Tao Group Hospitality as a server at TAO Asian Bistro. Guided by our leadership at Beauty & Essex, he was subsequently promoted to a management role, marking the beginning of his long-term career growth within our organization. Afterward, he rejoined TAO as an Assistant General Manager, and his dedication and hard work have recently earned him a promotion to the role of General Manager, where he oversees the entire operation.

Eli Rodriguez

General Manager
LAVO, Los Angeles

Eli’s journey with Tao Group Hospitality began in 2016 at TAO Asian Bistro, Los Angeles, where he started as an opening floor manager. With outstanding leadership skills, he quickly learned the ropes and was swiftly promoted to General Manager of the operation. Recently, Eli’s talents have led him to the position of General Manager at LAVO Ristorante in Los Angeles, one of the company’s newest venues.

 

Taylor Tamburo

Director of Talent Acquisition
Tao Group Hospitality, Las Vegas

Taylor became a part of our team in 2013, initially serving as an HR Coordinator. Over the years, she steadily progressed through various roles, including Specialist, Manager, Senior Manager, and now holds the position of Director of Talent Acquisition. Taylor’s leadership and team development have been instrumental in their responsibility for sourcing management and corporate positions, contributing significantly to the company’s ongoing success.

Alayne Dizon

Marketing Manager
Corporate Office, Las Vegas

Alayne’s journey with Tao Group Hospitality began in 2016 when she joined as a hostess for the opening of Beauty & Essex. She later transitioned into an internship with the marketing team and was subsequently hired as a marketing coordinator. Her dedication and collaborative spirit led to her promotion to a marketing manager role. Throughout her tenure, Alayne has seamlessly filled various positions and embodies the spirit of a true team player.

Jadine Nagelhout

Office Manager
Corporate Office, Los Angeles

In 2014, Jadine started her journey with us as a Marketing Administrator, initially assisting with reservations at all our Las Vegas venues. Her dedication and competence led to her promotion as a Senior Marketing Administrator, where she oversaw the marketing admin team. Shortly after, she assumed the role of Office Manager, responsible for managing two expansive offices. Jadine consistently embodies and promotes the company’s core values in her daily work.

 

20 Years of Michelin

Hakkasan Hanway place has achieved 20 years of receiving their Michelin Star. In 2001, the first Hakkasan restaurant opened in London’s Fitzrovia down an unassuming street named Hanway Place. Behind its doors was what was going to be one of the most defining, exciting, and innovative Chinese restaurants in London’s culinary scene.

Celebrating International Women's Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Hakkasan has created a new cocktail, Golden Nectar, in collaboration with the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Five amazing women from our Tao Group Hospitality UK team are at the forefront of this cocktail, combining the expertise of Wendy Hopkins, Head of Bar; Gessica Orofino, Bartender; Alessia Mandolini, Head Sommelier; Pastry Chef, Christina De Leo; and General Manager, Pauline Dubord.

Our Colleagues in Action