Outside of his professional career, Graham’s heart beats for the Culinary Association of Wales—a passion project that has grown into a national institution. One of the founding members in 1993, Graham has dedicated much of his personal time and energy to shaping its legacy and raising the profile of Welsh cuisine on the global stage.
His journey with Culinary Team Wales has been nothing short of inspirational. After four successful years as Vice Captain, he took the reins as Captain in 1999 and later stepped into the pivotal role of Team Manager in 2003, guiding and mentoring generations of Welsh chefs with a steady hand and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
A defining moment came in 2002, when Graham joined a Welsh culinary delegation on a groundbreaking mission to Japan. Their goal? To secure National Status for Wales from the World Chefs Association—a prestigious recognition that would allow Welsh chefs to compete alongside the best national teams in the world. Their efforts were rewarded, and from that moment on, Wales proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with global culinary giants.
But Graham’s impact doesn’t stop at team competitions. He is deeply invested in the individual journeys of rising chefs, offering guidance, training, and support as they take their talents to international arenas. Most recently, he mentored a Welsh chef in the Global Chef Final in Singapore—where, out of 116 competing nations, Wales achieved a stunning 6th place finish. It was the highest placement ever achieved by a UK competitor in the event’s history—a moment that made culinary headlines and history alike.
With over four decades of competition experience under his belt, Graham’s expertise has now been recognised at the highest level. He is a World Chefs-approved International Judge, and in the coming year, he will bring his seasoned eye and deep knowledge to the Global Chef Final—not as a competitor, but as one of its most respected arbiters.
For Graham, culinary excellence isn’t just a profession—it’s a lifelong mission, driven by pride in his adopted country, belief in its talent, and a relentless desire to elevate Welsh cuisine on the world stage.