Leo de Smidt
From Cape Town to Doha, Leo de Smidt is blazing a trail across the world of contemporary Japanese dining. Now serving as the Assistant General Manager at Zuma Doha, he has turned a love for hospitality into a fast-rising global career. From early experiences at the International Hotel School to leadership roles in Dubai, Phuket, the Maldives and beyond, Leo’s journey is proof that with passion, drive and determination, the possibilities in hospitality are truly limitless.
“I graduated from the International Hotel School in Cape Town in 2021. During my time at IHS, I was fortunate to complete multiple internships at some of the city’s top hotels. One experience that truly shaped my path was my time at the One & Only Hotel, which housed a Nobu restaurant. This sparked my passion for contemporary Japanese dining – a passion that would guide my next steps.
For my final internship, I joined Zuma in Dubai, a globally recognised Japanese restaurant. I started as a Senior Waiter and quickly climbed the ranks. Within five months, I was promoted to Head Waiter, then six months later to Supervisor. After just three months in that role, I was offered a manager-in-training opportunity at Zuma in Phuket, Thailand.
My time in Thailand was incredible — not just for the exposure to a new culture but for the chance to grow into the Assistant Manager role. After six months in Phuket, I returned to Dubai and was officially promoted to Assistant Manager at Zuma Dubai. Five months later, I went back to Phuket to help lead their new season.
That’s when I received a major opportunity: to become the Restaurant Manager in charge at Zuma Maldives. I spent a full year there, taking responsibility for the entire guest experience, team leadership and operational performance. Leading the venue, even though it was a smaller outlet, taught me what it means to be truly accountable for results.
Today, I’m proud to serve as the Assistant General Manager at Zuma Doha. Reflecting on my journey, I can confidently say that my education at the International Hotel School laid the foundation. It gave me a holistic understanding of the industry and the mindset to grow within it.
Equally important was joining a brand like Zuma, where high performance and work ethic are truly rewarded. I’ve been blessed with fast growth — but none of it would have happened without consistently delivering results and pushing myself to be better every day.
I’m deeply grateful for the experiences I’ve had so far, and even more excited for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Leo’s journey from student at the International Hotel School to a leadership role at Zuma showcases how dedication and hard work can open doors in the hospitality world. For those starting out, his path is a reminder that growth comes from embracing opportunities, learning from each experience and staying committed to excellence along the way.
