Alumni Bio: Gerard Yip '14

Gerard Yip was working in the food and beverage industry as an operations manager for Dean & Deluca when he decided to pursue the goal of making himself more marketable.

“The CIA’s program was a perfect fit to complement my skill set as it allowed me to be trained in the kitchen by some of the best instructors in the world,” says Gerard. “Within a short span of two years, the fundamentals I learned in culinary and baking and pastry arts have aided in accelerating my career. The skills obtained during the program allowed me to be a more effective leader with a keen eye for detail and to be that crucial bridge between the kitchen and the front of the house.”

Determination and perseverance were necessary skills for Gerard to get accepted to the CIA. “It took nearly three years and three attempts to gain acceptance to the bachelor’s class, but I never gave up,” Gerard says. “It’s only through trying that you create opportunities for yourself.” Now a senior franchise business consultant with BreadTalk Group Limited, a multinational food and beverage corporation headquartered in Singapore, Gerard uses the lessons he learned at the CIA every day. “You don’t get to choose your team members in the real world,” he says, “yet a solid team is essential to overall productivity. Don’t judge, but rather focus on the strengths of each team member.”

Adding value, improving the existing franchise framework, and expanding BreadTalk brands all over the globe are some of the goals Gerard is working towards in the future. “I hope to expand my portfolio beyond Asia and the Middle East to include regions such as the U.S. and Europe. Luckily, the CIA has such a good reputation, food and beverage professionals are always eager to converse with alumni. My degree has opened so many doors.”