About Montclair Chef
The world's leading private chef recruitment agency for UHNW families
Luxury estates. Family offices. Superyachts. Private jets.
Our Founder
From Michelin Star Kitchens to UHNW Private Chef Placement
With over 25 years of experience—trained in 3-Michelin-star kitchens—I spent nearly 10 years as personal chef to Amancio Ortega, founder of Zara and the world’s largest retail fashion group, aboard his 70m superyacht. I was recruited by Chef Albert Adria of the legendary El Bulli Restaurant.
I also served multi-billionaire industrialist Professor Reinhold Würth aboard the 86m M/Y Vibrant Curiosity, and cooked for a British Lord and American tech multi-billionaires on superyachts and private jets worldwide.
This world demands more than culinary skill—it demands precision, discipline, discretion, and absolute confidentiality.
That experience built Montclair Chef: a chef-founded agency placing elite, background-checked private chefs for UHNW families, estates, and family offices globally.
Who We Are Today
We're not the largest agency
— and that's by design
Boutique by Design
A five-person team of experts focused entirely on UHNW chef placement. We don't work on volume—we work on precision.
Founder-Vetted
Chris personally ensures each chef meets his standards before they enter your home. Every placement is hands-on.
Global Reach
Operating from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, we place Michelin-trained, background-checked private chefs for families worldwide.
Exclusive Focus
We focus exclusively on full-time placement of private chefs for billionaires and UHNW families. One thing, done exceptionally well.
Our Story
Discover the Origin of Our Company
Watch this short video from our founder about why Montclair Chef exists and what makes us different.
So I built one
I needed a way to connect with chefs like me — professionals trusted to serve the world’s most powerful UHNW families, whether aboard Mediterranean superyachts or within Beverly Hills estates, London penthouses, and Monaco residences.
What began as a private network quickly became an incredible UHNW placement tool. I used it to find top chefs for the team of chefs I managed — then high-profile families and superyacht owners’ representatives began requesting help.
The demand for premium private chef placement kept growing, so I transformed it into the exclusive service that Montclair Chef represents today.
That’s how Montclair Chef was born.
What We Do
Specialist Chef Placement Services
Expert placement for luxury estates, multi-property families, and wellness-driven households, delivered with Michelin-standard vetting and complete discretion.
Private Estate Chef Placement
Full-time private chefs for UHNW families and luxury residences. Michelin-trained professionals skilled in family dining, dietary management, and seamless household integration. Curated shortlist delivered within 10 days.
Multi-Property & Travel Chef Placement
Dedicated private chefs for families managing multiple residences worldwide. Seamless coordination across estates, travel schedules, and seasonal relocations—with consistent quality and discretion at every property.
Health & Performance Chef Placement
Private chefs specialized in longevity-focused nutrition and medical dietary requirements. From anti-inflammatory nutrition to performance-focused meal planning, our chefs work alongside nutritionists, physicians, and wellness teams.
Superyacht Chef Placement
STCW-certified private chefs for luxury vessels. Our yacht chef specialists handle Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons, 24-hour turnarounds, and high-pressure galley operations—most at Michelin-level standards.
High-Performance, sports & Athlete Chefs
Private chefs for professional athletes and high-performers. Our performance chefs create macro-calculated meal programs for training, recovery, and competition—working alongside strength coaches and nutritionists to optimize results.
Kosher Private Chef Placement
Certified kosher private chefs for Orthodox and observant UHNW households. Our chefs understand kashrut law, Shabbat protocols, and mashgiach coordination—delivering sophisticated kosher cuisine for daily meals, holidays, and entertaining.
FAQ
What You May Want to Know
Choosing the right private chef is a significant decision. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive, designed to help you understand our process, standards, and services with clarity and confidence.
What types of private chefs do you place?
We place full-time private chefs, travel chefs for multi-property families, superyacht chefs, health and performance chefs, and kosher chefs. All are Michelin-trained or equivalently experienced.
How quickly can you present candidates?
We deliver a curated shortlist of 3 hand-selected candidates within 10 business days of our initial consultation.
Are background checks included?
Yes. Background checks are included in all our placement packages. Every chef is verified before entering a private residence.
What is your placement guarantee?
We offer up to 6 months of placement protection — the longest guarantee we know of in the industry. If a placement doesn’t work out, we provide a free replacement.
Do you offer trial days?
Yes. We strongly recommend trial days as part of our trial-led recruitment process. This allows you to evaluate a chef in your own kitchen before committing to a full-time placement.
What regions do you cover?
We place private chefs globally, with key markets including Monaco, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, the Alps, Aspen, Florida, and the Middle East.
How much does a private chef cost?
Salary depends on location, experience, and specific requirements. Contact us for our comprehensive salary guide and a personalized estimate based on your needs.
Get Started
Begin Your Private
Chef Search
Shortlist in 10 days. Background-checked chefs. Up to 6-month placement guarantee.
Contact us for a confidential consultation.