Vancouver, BC — April 1, 2026 — Fairmont Pacific Rim announces the appointment of Chad Yamagata as its new executive pastry chef, bringing more than two decades of international experience leading pastry programs at some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels. He will oversee all pastry operations across the hotel’s culinary venues, as well as lead the pastry program at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Botanist.
Yamagata joins the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property with a career spanning South Korea, Dubai, and Canada. Known for his refined and elegant approach to dessert, he has built a reputation for delivering elevated guest experiences while creating and mentoring pastry teams.
“We are thrilled to have Chad join our culinary team,” says Jens Moesker, regional vice president and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “He introduces a new level of artistry and global perspective to our dessert and pastry program, and we look forward to the creativity and leadership he will bring to Fairmont Pacific Rim.”
Most recently, Yamagata was the owner and pastry chef of SEE WHY Patisserie & Dessert Studio in Seoul, Korea, where he led a program of bespoke dessert collaborations with leading global luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Van Cleef & Arpels, Balenciaga, Gucci, and Thom Browne.
His resume also includes the role of executive pastry chef at five-star hotels such as St. Regis Hong Kong and JW Marriott Dongdaemun in Seoul. He was also the corporate executive pastry chef of South Korean celebrity chef Edward Kwon’s restaurant group, EK Foods.
“I’m honoured to be returning home to Vancouver and joining the talented team at Fairmont Pacific Rim,” says Yamagata. “This is an incredible opportunity to lead the pastry program across such a dynamic property, including the Michelin Guide-recommended Botanist. I look forward to creating memorable dessert experiences for our guests.”
For more information, please visit botanistrestaurant.com