FERDINAND METZ, CMC

April 10, 2025

Master Chef Ferdinand Metz earned the Certified Master Chef title in 1982.

Career Highlights:

Played a key role in establishing the Chefs’ Apprenticeship, Certification, & Master Chefs’ Certification programs in the U.S. during the 1970s.
Grew up in Germany, where his family owned a hotel, butcher shop, & restaurant.
At the age of 15, started apprenticeships in Baking & Pastry and Cooking.
Worked at Preakness Hills Country Club, the Le Pavillon Restaurant, & The Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Spent 15 years at H.J. Heinz Company, leading Research & Development as Senior Manager.
Led the S. Culinary Olympic Team to three consecutive world championships.
Served 21 years as President of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
Has received almost every major award including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the James Beard Foundation, The Medal of the French Republic and as one of three recipients in the United States the Maître D’ Honneur by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
Inducted into Who’s Who in Cooking by the James Beard Foundation.
Leads his two consulting companies, Ferdinand Metz Culinary Innovations and Master Chefs’ Institute.