Joseph Karam
Associate Dean of Bachelor in Luxury Business and Practical Arts
Joseph Karam was appointed Associate Dean of Bachelor in Luxury Business and Practical Arts in December 2023, bringing with him an outstanding track record in hospitality operational leadership as well as practical arts education.
Having earned his Bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Management in 1995, Joseph initially worked in kitchens and event sales and catering for three years, during which he gained experience in Lyon, Evian and Paris.
He then moved to Lebanon, beginning a spell of over two decades working in the Middle East region, which started with a position as F&B Assistant Manager for the pre-opening of a Marriott hotel.
After this, he embarked upon a highly successful, 20-plus years career with Larissa Catering, which ultimately saw him take the role of CEO for Larissa SAL, managing a portfolio of high-end multi-restaurants and catering operations, together with French and Lebanese bakery and pastry restaurants.
During that time he increased sales by 300% through developing an industrial bakery and pastry line, plus he also founded and implemented high end restaurant concepts in Lebanon, administered a 5-star hotel, as well as managing three country clubs and a beach resort.
Joseph then returned to France to enter the field of hospitality education, becoming a Professor at his alma mater, the Institut Paul Bocuse. There he helped to train managers in new approaches for the post-Covid environment, while also acting as a consultant/teacher across a wide array of management topics.
Little more than a year after joining the institution, Joseph was appointed Program Director for the International F&B and Hospitality Management academic program, leading the fourth-year specializations while also assuring the integration and the learning experience of the students in the F&B outlets including the Michelin starred Restaurant Saison.
Alongside his professional accomplishments, Joseph earned an MBA/Master’s degree in Food Business Management & Concept Creation from Institut Paul Bocuse in 2020; and a Master II in Research and Management from Université Jean Moulin Lyon III in 2022. He is currently undertaking a PhD in Management Science with Université Jean Moulin Lyon III.
Joseph has also won several awards, including the ‘Best Mediterranean Chef under 30 Years’ competition in 2001; plus he has contributed to numerous conferences and academic studies, including being invited as a guest speaker to the Salon Agores in May 2023.