W Algarve has appointed Andrea Ciuccio as its new executive chef to oversee culinary operations across the resort’s restaurants, bars and in-room dining.

Naples-born Ciuccio replaces former executive chef Julio Ferradas at the luxury property. He joins the hotel directly from his previous role as consultant and sous chef at W Barcelona.

The appointment marks a return to coastal kitchen management for Ciuccio, who has worked in the hospitality industry for more than a decade. His career includes culinary roles in Sydney, Barcelona and the Cayman Islands.

He started his professional career in Sydney at Manta Restaurant and Bar before relocating to Barcelona, where he worked at several dining establishments including Monvinic and the Michelin-starred Alkimia.

He later moved to the Cayman Islands to work as senior sous chef at Grand Old House, before returning to Spain to join the kitchen team at W Barcelona.

In his new role in Portugal, Ciuccio will manage menu development and kitchen leadership, with plans to focus on contemporary Mediterranean dishes that use local ingredients from the Algarve region.

Ciuccio said: “I am incredibly excited to join the team at W Algarve. I believe this new professional challenge, together with the experience of relocating to the Algarve, will make a hugely positive contribution to my career while giving me another opportunity to continue evolving as a chef.

“I’m looking forward to creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate both the incredible ingredients found here in the Algarve and the international influences that have shaped my journey.”