Name: Mauricio M.
Position: Executive Chef
Hotel: Zurich Marriott Hotel.
Dream destination: I don’t have one single one. I can tell you that Mexico is on my bucket list at the very top.
Favorite dish to make (and eat): Tiramisu
The sounds coming from Mauricio’s kitchen are as diverse as the people working in it. German, Spanish, and English overlap throughout the day as a team from 16 different countries prepare dishes side by side at the Zurich Marriott Hotel.
For Mauricio, that’s one of the best parts of the job. The Colombian-Swiss chef believes great hospitality starts with connection, and that’s how a little boy who started helping his mother bake cakes in Colombia grew up to lead a team of 40 chefs and stewards in Switzerland. It’s also why he believes food can bring people together no matter where they’re from or what language they speak.
Did you always know you wanted to become a chef?
It all began at home. I was just 5 or 6 years old when I started helping my mother in the kitchen.
She cooked everything from fresh salads and beef stew to pasta dishes and traditional Swiss cakes. She became famous for her cakes, even at my school. For me, becoming a chef was never a question. It was something I always knew I wanted to do. Cooking was filled with family, flavors, and love. That’s why I decided to study culinary arts in 2005. Since then, I’ve been on this beautiful journey as a chef.
What’s something surprising about your role that people might not know?
One of the most fun and surprising aspects of my role is the incredible cultural diversity in our kitchen. We have chefs from 16 different countries, and the energy that brings is amazing. This multicultural environment reflects something deeper: shared passion, mutual respect, and the universal language of hospitality. That’s exactly what I love about working for Marriott. It’s a company that celebrates diversity, values people, and brings together talent from all over the world.
“Cooking isn’t just a job for me. It’s how I share joy, create memories, and grow with the people around me.”
Mauricio M. – Executive Chef
Describe your team’s culture in three words.
Teamwork, discipline, and learning. Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. Managing multiple outlets means our success relies on supporting one another. Discipline keeps our operation running smoothly and helps us maintain high standards. And learning is what keeps us sharp and motivated.
Whether through mentoring apprentices, mastering new techniques, or exploring different cuisines, we are always growing together.
What keeps you inspired to be the best at work?
I love what I do because it connects me to my roots, my family, and everything that shapes me.
Cooking isn’t just a job for me. It’s how I share joy, create memories, and grow with the people around me. My father once told me, “Do whatever you want, Mauricio, but be the best at it and you will succeed.” That advice stayed with me ever since. At Marriott, I have found the perfect place to live that passion every day, surrounded by a team that celebrates culture, creativity, and excellence.
