Maya Bakhazi Noun

Maya Bakhazi Noun is a distinguished entrepreneur, business leader, and hospitality expert whose career spans finance, fine dining, and international consultancy. A graduate of the Lebanese American University (LAU) with a double major in Business, Maya began her career in banking, where she quickly rose through the ranks. Alongside her financial career, she pursued training at the prestigious Institut Villa Pierrefeu in Switzerland, specializing in dining etiquette and finishing school. She also completed exclusive courses in Fine Dining and Decorative Arts at Christie’s London, acquiring extensive expertise in wine and champagne. Combining her passion for finance and gastronomy, Maya ventured into the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry in 2000 — a pursuit that rapidly transformed from a personal hobby into a series of entrepreneurial successes across Lebanon and the wider region. Since then, she has conceived, developed, and managed over 50 concepts and lifestyle clusters in Lebanon, the Arab Gulf, and around the world. Her most recent ventures include: Level Two Cluster Bayada, Bobo Fou Bistro Bar, KoGoWa, The Food Studio Catering Company Maya also co-manages The Food Studio Consultancy, which advises internationally renowned companies and investment funds across five continents and more than 15 countries.

Awards & Recognition

Maya’s exceptional contributions to business, hospitality, and culture have earned her numerous awards, including:

• Silver Award, Transform Awards Dubai (2020) – Curli Q Concept
• “The Trendsetter”, Hospitality News Magazine (2020)
• Award of Recognition, Ministry of Tourism Lebanon (2019) – For personal contribution to the tourism sector
• Award of Appreciation, Japanese Embassy in Lebanon (2019) – For promoting Japanese fine cuisine (Washoku)
• Business Warrior of the Year, Lebanon Opportunities (2017)
• Most Influential F&B Entrepreneur in the Middle East (2017)
• One of the 25 Fastest Growing Companies, Arabia 500 (2011)
• Best Woman Achiever in Hospitality (2010)
• Award for Women’s Economic Empowerment, MENA Leading Businesswomen – Abu Dhabi (2009)
• Leading Women in the Arab World, Bahrain (2006)
• Best Young Entrepreneur in the Region, Kuwait SMEs Forum (2006)
• Young Entrepreneurs of the Arab World, Kuwait (2006)

Industry Engagement & Initiatives

• Board Member, Syndicate of Restaurant Owners in Lebanon (since 2014) – Actively involved in national initiatives supporting the tourism and hospitality sectors.
• Board Member, Lebanese Food Bank
• Advisory Board Member, HORECA Lebanon
• Co-founded Lebanese Gastro-Diplomacy Initiative (2015) – Helped Adopt it as a national project in 2017–2018 with the Ministries of Culture, Tourism, Economy, and Foreign Affairs, in partnership with UNESCO. The initiative promotes Lebanese culinary heritage worldwide and the export of Lebanese products. Launched in Canada (2019) and extended through collaborations with international embassies.
• Co-founded Sustainable Tourism Initiative (2019) – In partnership with the Lebanese Economic and Social Council.
• Co-Founded Beirut Restaurant Festival ( 2015 and 2016 ) – Gathered Lebanon’s top restaurants under one platform to showcase national culinary talent and promote international exposure. A syndicate of Restaurant owners initiative

Thought Leadership & Advocacy

Maya is a regular contributor to Hospitality News and Taste & Flavors magazines, recognized as a trendsetter and influential voice shaping the future of the culinary and hospitality industries. She is frequently sought after by local and international media for insights on the intersection of economics, politics, and tourism in Lebanon and the Middle East. A passionate advocate for women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, Maya has mentored numerous women in business and supported multiple CSR initiatives benefiting vulnerable communities. In 2014, she represented Lebanon as the sole participant in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the United States — a highly selective program organized by the U.S. State Department for global leaders and policymakers.