Simon Gault

Simon Gault is a celebrated figure in New Zealand’s culinary scene, renowned as both a chef and well-respected restaurateur. His career has spanned across the globe, including influential roles at establishments such as Leiths restaurant in London and the prestigious Michelin-starred Thornbury Castle. Notably, he has served as a personal chef to Simon Fuller, the creator of American Idol, and to Larry Ellison, the billionaire CEO of Oracle, showcasing his culinary prowess and adaptability. As an industry leader, Simon has proved himself to be a true artist and innovator, continually pushing new boundaries within the food industry.

Simon’s entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding the Nourish Group, a collection of award-winning restaurants like Euro Bar & Restaurant, FISH, and Jervois Steakhouse. His leadership and innovation within the industry have been widely recognised, earning him accolades such as the New Zealand Restaurant Association Innovator of the Year Award, the Lewisham Awards, Chef of the Year and Outstanding Hospitality Personality of the Year, and induction into the New Zealand Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. He was also honoured with the Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in the Services Category and received the 2015 AUT School of Hospitality and Tourism award for Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality and Tourism Community.

In addition to his restaurant ventures, Simon has made significant strides in product innovation. He launched Sous Chef, a fine foods import and distribution company, and developed Gault’s, a supermarket brand featuring stock concentrates and seasoning blends. He also created a range of homewares available through Briscoes as well as an online health and wellbeing education program called 4 Wheels of Health, developed in partnership with nutritionist Sean Robertson.

Simon’s influence extends far beyond the kitchen as a popular television personality. He has starred in multiple seasons of MasterChef New Zealand as a judge, headlined his own series, Chef on a Mission, and explored culinary and health-related topics in the documentary series ‘Why Are We Fat?’. Simon is also a highly respected author with five bestselling cookbooks to his credit, including titles like Simon Gault Homemade and Modern Classics.

Simon Gault continues to inspire and educate through his boundless passion and enthusiasm for food and commitment to excellence. His dedication to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, and promoting a healthy lifestyle underscores his enduring influence in the culinary world and beyond. He wants people to experience food in a different way and get excited about getting into the kitchen and having a go. Simon is also able to provide culinary demonstrations where he teaches audiences how to improve their cooking skills.