JW Marriott Marquis Dubai has appointed Asa Sibcy as Multi-Venue Executive Chef and Alessandro Calzavacca as Multi-Venue General Manager to lead Prime68 and ION ahead of their forthcoming openings. Together they will shape the menus, service and teams behind a fully renovated Prime68 and ION, the hotel’s new sky lounge across the 71st and 72nd floors.
Prime68 will return following a complete renovation, with premium cuts, live-fire cooking and a considered wine programme, while ION will make its debut in early 2027 across the 71st and 72nd floors, bringing together panoramic views, music, crafted drinks and sharing plates. Both openings form part of the hotel’s wider transformation.
Asa Sibcy joins as Multi-Venue Executive Chef, bringing more than 15 years of fine dining experience shaped by a long career with The Fat Duck Group across London, followed by his involvement in the pre-opening team at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal, which earned and retained a Michelin star.
His most recent role saw him working alongside Michelin-starred Chef Kirk Westaway, leading his restaurant in Jakarta, Indonesia, which was recognised among Tatler’s 20 Best Restaurants in Indonesia and named one of Tatler’s Best New Restaurants.
In his new role, Asa will lead the culinary teams across both venues, drawing on his experience in some of the world’s most respected kitchens to develop their menus and establish their individual culinary identities.
“Prime68 has been an iconic part of Dubai’s dining scene for many years, and our vision is to build on that legacy without losing its identity or soul,” said Asa Sibcy, Multi-Venue Executive Chef at Prime68 and ION. “We’re not changing a winning formula, but building upon it, from outstanding produce and open-fire cooking to refined service and engaging tableside experiences. For me, hospitality is about making people feel genuinely special, and we want guests to return not just for the food or the views, but for how we made them feel.”
Alessandro Calzavacca joins as Multi-Venue General Manager, bringing an accomplished luxury hospitality background built across Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrated five-star hotels in Dubai, London and Italy. His experience includes leading roles with some of the industry’s most recognised names, including The Dorchester and Claridge’s in London, as well as Atlantis The Royal in Dubai. These roles have given him extensive experience in leading restaurant teams, overseeing operations and delivering hospitality at the highest level.
Alessandro will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of both venues, with a focus on building their teams, shaping the service experience and ensuring each develops its own identity.
“Prime68 already has such a loyal following, so my focus is on building on that without losing what guests already love. ION gives us a blank canvas to create something completely different. Either way, it comes down to strong teams, confident service and making sure every guest feels genuinely looked after,” said Alessandro Calzavacca, Multi-Venue General Manager at Prime68 and ION.
Speaking on the appointments, General Manager of JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Gerrit Gräf said, ‘‘Asa and Alessandro bring an exceptional combination of culinary expertise and international hospitality experience to Prime68 and ION. As we continue to invest in our restaurants and introduce new dining concepts, their leadership will be instrumental in shaping the next chapter of both venues and strengthening our position within Dubai’s dining scene.”
With the new leadership team in place, Prime68 and ION are preparing to welcome guests this December, marking another milestone in JW Marriott Marquis Dubai’s ongoing transformation of its food and beverage offering.
