Mark Cole, Executive Chef at The Jamaica Pegasus and a beloved figure in the island’s culinary scene, was recently honored with the prestigious Hotel Manager of the Year award at the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s (JHTA) 64th Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony.
Affectionately known as the “Fat Chef,” Cole was celebrated not only for his culinary excellence but also for his leadership and mentorship within Jamaica’s hospitality industry. His career spans more than three decades, during which he has risen through the ranks from line cook to executive chef, holding key roles at several of Jamaica’s top hotels and resorts.
“All chefs are great at cooking, but it is the rare chosen few who combine wizardry in the kitchen with panache, sincerity, and a deft touch for mentorship,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, Group Director of Marketing & Sales. “Chef Cole consistently displays these talents… This award is very much deserved.”
Chef Cole’s resume includes overseeing state dinners for visiting royalty and heads of state at The Jamaica Pegasus, as well as catering events at King’s House and Jamaica House. His clientele has included members of the British Royal Family, leaders from across Caricom, and dignitaries from countries including the United States, Canada, and India.
Beyond the formal banquet tables, Cole has represented Jamaica on the international stage, leading the national culinary team to the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s annual Taste of the Caribbean competition. His personal accolades include over 25 medals from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) annual Culinary Arts Competition and a gold medal win at the 2003 Taste of the Caribbean.
Under his leadership, The Jamaica Pegasus culinary team has also excelled. At the 2019 Taste of Jamaica Culinary Competition, Pegasus chefs earned six top awards, including the coveted Chef of the Year and Pastry Chef of the Year titles.
Cole’s contributions were instrumental in The Jamaica Pegasus earning Jamaica’s Best M.I.C.E. Hotel 2024 at the 5th Annual World M.I.C.E. Awards—marking the second time the hotel received the honor during his tenure.
“It has been a pleasure seeing Mark continue to grow and challenge himself and his team,” said Kevin Hendrickson, Managing Director of The Courtleigh Hospitality Group. “His ability to use imagination to elevate traditional dishes to new heights is unmatched. A true champion of Jamaican gastronomy.”
The Jamaica Pegasus recently completed a US$1 million renovation that upgraded its pool, pool bar, Zen gardens, and public areas, reinforcing its status as the premier hospitality destination in Kingston. With award-winning cuisine, impeccable service, and a newly refreshed resort-style setting, the hotel remains a flagship property in Jamaica’s capital—thanks in no small part to the steady hand and inspired palate of Executive Chef Mark Cole.
