Event Venues NYC | Unparalleled Events

Executive Chef

Asfher Biju

Ashfer Biju brings a worldly vision inspired by regional ingredients to The Pierre. Raised in a family of restaurateurs near Kerala, India, Chef Ashfer earned his hospitality degree in India. His career has taken him all over the globe— from the Culinary Institute of America to kitchens in Napa Valley, the Maldives, Jean-Georges in London, and Southeast Asia. In addition to leading culinary operations for The Pierre’s banquet spaces, Chef Ashfer oversees Perrine, The Rotunda, and Two E Bar & Lounge, managing a team of 50 cooks and seven sous chefs that, during the hotel’s busy season, serve up to 5,000 people per day.

Director of Catering

Robert DeMaria

Robert brings more than 25 years of high-level experience in hotel catering and management. His catering experience includes creating concepts for high-profile events including the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, United Nations General Assembly and Travel Agency Advisory Board events.

In his illustrious career, Robert has been the Director of Catering at the Warwick New York, the Westin Times Square, the Intercontinental Barclay and the Westin Grand Central. From 2011-2013, Robert worked as Associate Director of Catering New York City/Metro Market for Starwood Hotels and Resorts and as the Catering Sales Leader for 9 metro market sales managers.

Christopher T Hamilton director of special events

Director of Banquets

Sage William Archipolo

A lifelong resident of Long Island, NY, Sage William Archipolo attended the Career Academy of New York, Hotel and Restaurant Management. He began his career working with multiple caterers overseeing both on and off-premise events.

A polished service leader who provides guest-centered hospitality, Sage brings more than twenty years of banquet experience to the position with skills that have created significant value for catering clients and generated much repeat business. He works closely with the hotel’s renowned food and beverage banquet team and will be responsible for directing all aspects of The Pierre’s 5-star banquet service.

Executive Banquet Chef

Michael Mignano

The Pierre NY, A Taj Hotel is pleased to announce the return of Chef Michael Mignano to the Pierre family as Executive Banquet Chef. Michael has had a long and rich history with The Pierre both under Four Seasons and Taj. Michael brings close to 30 years of culinary experience with a passion for the pastry arts.

Michael works closely with Executive Chef Ashfer Biju to create banquet menus including menus for the newly reimagined Grand Ballroom. Recognized by Dessert Professional magazine in 2017 as one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America and partnered to successfully launch the very first halal bakery/restaurant, Farine Baking Company in New York.

Director of Luxury Sales

Lou Reynolds

Lou Reynolds was named Director, Luxury Sales of The Pierre, NY, A Taj Hotel in 2021. Lou is responsible for the Leisure, Corporate Business Travel and Corporate Group Sales segments of The Pierre. Lou joins The Pierre from Marriott International, where she was Account Director and International Group Sales representing nine New York City hotels for the Sheraton, Westin, and W Hotels.

An accomplished sales executive, Lou has worked extensively in the Business Travel Market and established successful and long-term relationships with clients spanning over 18 years from her previous roles. Lou is well traveled and is fluent in English and Spanish.

Elevate your Event

At a Glance

Meet The Team