Francesco Roccato Joins Julia Baker Confections as Chief Operating Officer

Online, November 30, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Gastronomically-obsessed Italian Foodie Francesco Roccato has been named Chief Operating Officer of Julia Baker Confections (JBC), the luxury chocolate brand located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Francesco oversees the company's sales and operations directives, and is responsible for strategically expanding the brand's consumer base through marketing and sales efforts.

"We are exceptionally happy that Francesco has joined our team," enthused CEO and company Founder Julia Baker. "Francesco's background and knowledge of the luxury food market along with his authentic European flair is precisely aligned with our company's philosophies."

Roccato brings a high level of expertise to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining JBC, Francesco led the food & beverage department at InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, where the flagship retail location of Julia Baker Confections is located. Under his tutelage, the resort's culinary outlets received numerous accolades including Prado being named as one of Esquire Magazine's Top 20 Best New Restaurants in 2009, and one of Phoenix Magazine's Best New Restaurants in 2009. He was previously the Executive Chef of the InterContinental Cleveland in Cleveland, Ohio, where he oversaw food and beverage operations including Table 45, a James Beard best-new restaurant nominee for 2008.

Born in Torino, Italy, Francesco Roccato brings his innate sensibilities about classic European techniques to the brand's enthusiasm for quality, luxury, and taste. "I'm proud to be a part of the Julia Baker team," noted Roccato. "Julia has built a remarkable brand, and together we can expand upon her successes even further." The brand, helmed by Le Cordon Bleu-trained Pastry Chef Julia Baker, has consistently been noted for their delightful truffles, chocolates and confections. JBC combines superior technique with whimsical, youthful style in each perfectly presented box of chocolates.

About Julia Baker Confections
Julia Baker Confections creates luxurious chocolates and confections, fresh custom desserts, and intricate bridal cakes with style, using traditional French techniques favored by the most discerning palates. Culinary artist, Founder, and Executive Chef Julia Baker personally creates and oversees every recipe and design-from her signature French caramel truffle to extraordinary, handcrafted wedding cakes. She received the Grande Diplome from the famed Le Cordon Bleu Paris, making her both a Chef de Cuisine and a Chef de Patisserie. As CEO of Scottsdale-based Julia Baker Confections, Baker has spearheaded the company's fast growth and recently opened its first store in the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa. Visit the Company's on-line boutique at www.juliabakerconfections.com, or follow them at www.twitter.com/jbconfections.com.