Michiel Bakker is the President of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

He was previously the Vice President of Global Workplace Programs on Google’s Real Estate & Workplace Services (REWS) team. Bakker led the company’s renowned workplace programs and services such as food, transportation, events, health and performance, helpful at home, and sustainability.

Bakker has spent over 30 years in the global hotel, services, and experience industry. Prior to Google, Bakker worked for 17 years in various leadership roles for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

From 2012 to 2017, Bakker led Google’s Food@Work program where he supported all food service-related activities and initiatives for Google’s global community. Bakker also developed internal and external partnerships to address the challenges and opportunities of the broader food systems.

Bakker is also the sponsor for multiple teams and initiatives within Google which focus on the intersection of food, health, sustainability, data and technology, including “Food for Good”, which guides Alphabet's commitments to food waste and reducing food insecurity.

Bakker contributes to the Food and Nature Board at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the EAT Forum Advisory Board, the Yale School of Management Center for Customer Insights' Advisory Board, and the Culinary Institute of America’s Menus of Change Business Leadership Council.

Bakker holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and three graduate degrees. He earned an MBA from the University of Bradford, a Master’s of Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada, and a Master’s in Real Estate and Construction Management at the University of Denver.