Promotion 2024: discover the patrons of this new promotion

Institut Lyfe is proud to present the patrons of the class of 2024: exemplary personalities who will support our students throughout their studies. These renowned industry professionals, truly inspirational figures in their respective fields, embody the values of excellence, passion and transmission of knowledge that are at the heart of our school.

Their role will be to contribute their expertise, share their experience, and guide our future graduates on their path to a fulfilling and successful career. Their commitment offers our students invaluable support, contributing to both their personal and professional development.

César Troisgros, 2007 graduate and chef of the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Bois sans Feuilles, patron of the Bachelor’s in International Culinary Arts Management

César Troisgros is part of the fourth generation of the renowned Troisgros family, and is currently head of the 3-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Bois sans Feuilles in Ouches, in the Loire region. Son of chef Michel Troisgros, César grew up in the bustling atmosphere of kitchens where excellence and innovation have always been key. Earning his stripes and a Bachelor’s in International Culinary Arts Management at Institut Lyfe (formerly Institut Paul Bocuse) in 2007, we are extremely proud to have César Troisgros as the patron of the 2024 intake for the Bachelor’s in International Culinary Arts Management.

Today, as head chef of the restaurant Le Bois sans Feuilles, César is continuing the dedication to excellence associated with the Troisgros name, while adding his own personal touch. His refined cuisine, deeply rooted in the terroir, pays tribute to seasonal ingredients and the surrounding natural environment.

As a chef, restaurateur-hotelier and young manager, I want to take advantage of this role to pass on the core values of our professions: craftsmanship and expertise, hospitality and the joy of giving pleasure to others. I want to talk about the beauty of excellence – which is within everyone’s reach – about patience and fulfilment, about building a career. I’ll do this using my own words and vision, with my family spirit and, above all, in an accessible way.

Florence Lesage, Pastry Chef and Arts Sucrés World Champion in 2022, patron of the Bachelor’s in International Pastry Management

Florence Lesage dreamed of becoming a chocolatier ever since she was a child. After obtaining several qualifications in patisserie, she took part in the WorldSkills “skills Olympics” competition in 2014 and became vice-world champion in the pastry-confectionery category at WorldSkills 2015. After gaining experience at the Château de Montvillargenne and The Westin Paris-Vendôme Hotel, where she was promoted to pastry chef in 2018, she won the international final of the Arts Sucrés World Championship in 2022. Today, she is a consultant pastry chef who is passionate about passing on her knowledge. Florence Lesage is doing us the honour of acting as patron of the 2024 intake of students on the Bachelor’s in International Pastry Management.

For me, being a year-group patron represents a symbolic commitment to Institut Lyfe and its students. This honorary role gives me the chance to share my vision of the world of patisserie in general with a new generation of pastry chefs, and to inspire motivation and passion.

Vanguélis Panayotis, CEO of MKG Consulting and Hospitality ON, patron of the Bachelor’s in International Hospitality and Restaurant Management

Vanguélis Panayotis is a prominent figure in the hotel and management consulting sector, with a remarkable career that has led him to the role of CEO of MKG Consulting, a global leader in consulting and market research for the hotel and tourism industry.

A key player in the hotel and management consultancy sector, Vanguélis Panayotis has not only been the CEO of MKG Consulting since 2017 but also heads Hospitality ON, a media outlet providing industry news for more than 30 years. His remarkable career has allowed him to develop advanced expertise in tourism economics and management. In accepting the role of mentor for our Bachelor’s in International Hospitality & Restaurant Management, Vanguélis Panayotis sees his role as mentor as an opportunity to pass on valuable advice to our students, enabling them to make the best decisions for their future.

I believe that providing time to listen, discuss and exchange is the most important thing we can offer them. I’d like to make myself available to discuss their projects and their questions: I don’t have all the answers, but I’ll have a genuine and caring opinion. It’s up to us, as professionals in the hospitality industry, to keep the flame of passion and commitment alive in this wonderful sector.

The relationship with our year-group patrons goes well beyond freshers’ week, and students will enjoy a privileged relationships with the professionals who accept these important roles. As mentors, class patrons play a crucial role, not only in sharing their expertise and advice, but also in creating a space where students are free to ask any questions they may have. We recently welcomed patrons François Perret, Pastry Chef at the Ritz and mentor for the 2023 class starting the Bachelor’s in International Pastry Management, and Nadia Sammut, Chef at Michelin-starred restaurant La Fenière and patron of the 2023 Bachelor’s in International Culinary Arts Management.


Would you like to be part of the Institut Lyfe experience and meet professionals from our sectors who are passionate about sharing their expertise? At our Paul Bocuse and Gérard Pélisson campuses in Écully, on the outskirts of Lyon, our open days are a great opportunity to ask all your questions about our courses and receive personalised advice so that you can make the most informed choice for your future.

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