With 26 years of industry experience, Riaan has honed his craft across South Africa, Europe, and Australia, working alongside world-class Chefs in fine dining restaurants, hotels, pubs, resorts, and Clubs.
Riaan began his culinary journey at just 16 years old, but his passion for cooking started much earlier—by the age of 10, he already knew he wanted to be a Chef. With 26 years of experience in the industry, Riaan cannot imagine doing anything else. His career has taken him around the world as Riaan believes that hospitality is the most rewarding environment to work in.
After completing Year 12 in 2000, Riaan obtained several qualifications to enhance his skills, including:
- Certificate III in Cookery
- Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
- Certificate IV in Business
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
After seven years of training experience, Riaan jumped at the chance to join CTA Training Specialists, a team he had long admired. He resonates deeply with CTA’s passion for both learning and the hospitality industry, making his role here a fulfilling and exciting chapter in his career.
Riaan is committed to sharing the wealth of knowledge and experience he has accumulated over his career. Equally, he embraces the opportunity to learn from his students, living by the old adage that “you’re never too old to learn.”
Riaan’s colleagues and students would describe him as funny, driven, passionate, caring, and always ready to help wherever needed.
He remains committed to lifelong learning, not just for personal growth but to provide his students with the most up-to-date knowledge and expertise.
Fun Facts About Riaan
- Favorite Food: Italian
- Favorite Sports Teams: Brisbane Broncos, St Kilda Saints, Manchester United
- Drink of Choice: Aged Port
- Most Memorable Concert: Kings of Leon
- Best Advice Received: “If you can play hard, you can work hard. And if you work very hard, you’ll always be the best you can be.” – Riaan’s Dad
