SVH MASTER CHEF ARJAN SPEELMAN JOINS BOCUSE D'OR NETHERLANDS
Bocuse d’Or Netherlands proudly announces the appointment of Arjan Speelman as a new board member, effective 29 July 2025. Speelman, chef of the two-Michelin-starred Ciel Bleu Restaurant in Amsterdam, brings years of culinary expertise and craftsmanship to the organisation, which operates under the leadership of chairman and fellow two-Michelin-starred chef François Geurds.
COACH AND BOARD MEMBER
The arrival of Speelman – who was already involved in the previous edition as an official coach for the Dutch team – underscores Bocuse d’Or Netherlands’ ambition to further elevate the level of the Dutch team within the world-renowned cooking competition. His experience in top gastronomy and his passion for the profession make him a valuable addition to the existing board team.
“It is an honour to be part of Bocuse d’Or Netherlands,” says Arjan Speelman. “I look forward to intensively guiding the candidates in their preparation for the world’s most prestigious cooking competition. My focus is on creating structure, overview, and calm – crucial factors for top performance under high pressure.”
SPEELMAN'S MISSION
Bocuse d’Or is the world’s most prestigious cooking competition, founded by the legendary chef Paul Bocuse. The Dutch organisation supports and guides candidates on their path to the European and global finals, with the aim of prominently placing the Netherlands on the international gastronomic map.
Speelman’s mission is clear: “To prepare Dutch participants for the highest level. By inspiring, training, and guiding, I want to contribute to a lasting quality boost for Dutch gastronomy on the international stage.”
With Speelman’s appointment, a significant step is taken in the further professionalisation and future vision of Bocuse d’Or Netherlands. With over twenty years of experience in a two-star kitchen, Speelman knows better than anyone what it takes to perform to perfection. “I pass on that knowledge and dedication with conviction to the new generation of talented chefs.”
BOCUSE D'OR NETHERLANDS
The objective of Bocuse d’Or Netherlands is to promote a positive image of Dutch gastronomy, to profile the culinary profession, to enthuse young people for the chef’s profession, and to promote the use of high-quality, innovative, and sustainable products. The Bocuse d’Or competition is a global stage for chefs of great calibre.
