The role, which was previously held by chef Stephen Billingham from South Africa, has seen a change in reins when Billingham was forced to step down due to personal professional commitments.

Cuthbert is a familiar face within the Global Chefs community after playing an instrumental role as chairman of the Young Chefs Development Team.

He said: “The congress is an important calendar date for all Chefs from across the globe, an opportunity to learn, experience and build lifelong friendships with people who have the best job on earth, I look forward to seeing the congress in Thessaloniki, become larger than life and to leave an imprint on all participants mind and heart.”

Charles Carroll, president of Worldchefs, said: “We are sad to see Chef Stephen Billingham step down from his role but we understand he has personal commitments and thank him for his contributions.

“We are very excited to welcome Chef Andy Cuthbert on board, as he knows the vision of the Worldchefs Congress and has played a pivotal role in the last Congress by working on a fantastic programme for the young chefs. With his dynamic nature, I have no doubt he will contribute greatly to the development of the Congress programme.”

The Worldchefs Congress 2016 will take place from 24 – 27 September in Thessaloniki, Greece. Confirmed keynote speakers include Herve This, founder of molecular cuisine and Alan Wong, celebrity chef and founder of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine