The World Names Lionel Catherin Executive Chef for July 2026

The World, Residences at Sea has promoted longtime culinary leader Lionel Catherin to Executive Chef, with the appointment taking effect in July 2026, the company said in a press release.

Catherin will succeed Senior Executive Chef Geoffrey Murray, who is scheduled to retire on May 9, 2026. The company framed the move as a planned leadership handoff, elevating a chef who has spent more than two decades working aboard the residential ship.

Transition timeline and leadership structure

Murray is expected to remain in the role through early May 2026, with Catherin assuming the top post about two months later. Once he takes over, Catherin will partner with Executive Chef Sebastian Gnida as part of the ship’s culinary leadership structure.

The World said the arrangement is designed to support continuity in day-to-day management and standards across the onboard dining program, while keeping executive oversight within an internal leader who has already handled interim executive responsibilities.

What the Executive Chef role covers onboard

In the Executive Chef role, Catherin will oversee all culinary operations across the vessel, including its six restaurants and the In-Residence Dining program. The World said the position also includes responsibility for a culinary team of more than 50 professionals.

The company’s description of the role centers on execution across restaurant galleys and in-residence meal service, reflecting the scale of the operation supporting residents and guests.

Catherin’s career progression aboard The World

Catherin joined The World in August 2004 as a Chef de Partie and advanced through a series of onboard leadership roles. He was promoted to Sous Chef in 2008, Chef de Cuisine in 2009, and Executive Sous Chef in 2014.

From 2018 through 2024, he also served as Relief Executive Chef, stepping into senior leadership during transitional periods and other times requiring additional executive-level coverage in the galleys.

Training, influences, and culinary range

Before joining the ship, Catherin began formal culinary training at age 16 at a Relais & Châteaux restaurant. The company said he developed his skills through experience in French Polynesia and France, including work under chefs Charles Barrier and Jacques Maximin.

During his time aboard The World, the company noted that he has collaborated with Michelin-starred chefs and worked across styles ranging from comfort-focused cuisine to molecular gastronomy.

Catherin’s remarks on the promotion

In a statement, Catherin tied the promotion to his long tenure on the ship and emphasized continued innovation and global flavors.

“It is an incredible honor to step into the role of Executive Chef aboard The World, a place that has been my professional home for over two decades,” Catherin said. “I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and proud to work alongside such a talented culinary team. I look forward to continuing to innovate, celebrate global flavors, and create unforgettable dining experiences for our Residents & Guests.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will Lionel Catherin begin as Executive Chef at The World?

The World said Catherin’s promotion takes effect in July 2026, following Murray’s scheduled retirement on May 9, 2026.

What will Lionel Catherin oversee in the Executive Chef role?

The company said he will oversee culinary operations supporting the ship’s six restaurants and its In-Residence Dining program, while managing a culinary team of more than 50 professionals.

What experience and training does Catherin bring to the position?

Catherin joined the ship in August 2004 and progressed through roles including Sous Chef (2008), Chef de Cuisine (2009), and Executive Sous Chef (2014), and he served as Relief Executive Chef from 2018 to 2024. The company also said he began culinary training at 16 at a Relais & Châteaux restaurant, worked under chefs Charles Barrier and Jacques Maximin, and developed experience in French Polynesia and France, along with collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs and work spanning comfort cuisine to molecular gastronomy.

With Murray’s retirement set for May 2026 and Catherin scheduled to step into the Executive Chef post in July 2026, The World is set for a defined culinary leadership transition heading into the second half of next year.