From launching London’s largest restaurant to master planning global mega-events, Simon Wright’s three-decade journey in hospitality is one defined by reinvention, foresight and cultural fluency. As Founder and Chairman of TGP International, he has built a globally respected agency at the intersection of creativity, commerce and community, delivering future-focused work across F&B master planning, hotel strategy, interior design, operations and large-scale event catering.
Simon’s latest ventures reflect a deep understanding of how F&B can transform not just menus but mindsets. In 2024, he spearheaded the opening of Seed & Bloom Café in Abu Dhabi, a sustainably designed, award-winning concept that goes beyond coffee and croissants. It’s a creative canvas for workshops, talks and community engagement, setting a new benchmark for café culture in the Middle East.
In parallel, Simon has scaled TGP’s Events & Catering division into a powerhouse of precision and innovation, delivering high-profile F&B experiences for landmark moments including Coldplay’s Abu Dhabi concert, the Dubai World Cup, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Elrow Festival. Up next: the inaugural Festival of Cake at Expo City Dubai, a first-of-its-kind event that merges pastry artistry with live entertainment and immersive brand experiences.
On the global stage, Simon is redefining culinary diplomacy through Irth Saudi Restaurant Café at Expo Osaka 2025, developed in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture. Operated by TGP inside the Saudi Pavilion, Irth is a celebration of Saudi heritage and innovation serving as both a culinary ambassador and cultural statement during the six-month World Expo.
A recognised pioneer in food hall innovation, Simon has been behind some of the GCC’s most beloved communal dining venues. From Depachika at Nakheel Mall, now in its fifth year, to the award-winning Al Mamlaka Social Dining in Riyadh, TGP’s food hall formats are redefining how people connect through food. His upcoming collaboration with Msheireb Properties in Doha continues that trajectory showcasing his ability to integrate F&B into the very fabric of urban development.
Earlier in his career, Simon honed his operational expertise at iconic institutions including InterContinental Hotels, Ian Schrager Hotels, and Conran Restaurants. His leadership at Mezzo, once London’s largest restaurant, and involvement in launching the Great Eastern Hotel helped shape his distinctive approach to experiential hospitality, an approach now influencing giga-projects across the Middle East and Europe.
Beyond bricks and mortar, Simon’s impact is equally evident in his thought leadership and team culture. TGP International has been named one of the Best Places to Work for three consecutive years, a reflection of Simon’s commitment to nurturing talent and building a purpose-driven, people-first agency. He remains a sought-after speaker on the global circuit, including his 2025 engagement at the Hosts & Federations Summit in Switzerland. In every project, Simon Wright sees F&B not as an amenity but as a strategic asset. A driver of value. A storyteller. A bridge between cultures.
