Chef D becomes K-W Oktoberfest’s new board president

Chef D in an undated photo. (Submitted/K-W Oktoberfest)

Darryl Fletcher, known as “Chef D” to most, is the new board president at K-W Oktoberfest.

K-W Oktoberfest made the announcement in a media release on Friday.

Chef D, owner of Chef D Catering and Events and frequent guest on CTV Kitchener, will be replacing Allan Cayenne, who was in the role since 2022.

“It is a great honour to become president of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest,” Chef D said, in the media release. “I am thrilled to be working with a great team of people. Importantly, I would like to give a huge shout out to Allan for giving his ‘everything’ to the festival for the past three years. We would not be in the positive position we are, without his hard work, dedication and passion for our organization and festhallen partners. I am so looking forward to celebrating the 2025 Festival with everyone!”

Allan Cayenne, the past president shared some parting words.

“K-W Oktoberfest has been, and will always be, a big part of my life,” Cayenna said. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. As I transition out of this role, I am confident that the new leadership team will continue the important work of growing the festival and elevating it to new and exciting heights.”

The board elected other members that will make up the new executive leadership team:

• Vice President, Rob Hesch, Vice President of Sales and Merchandising at Brand Momentum
• Second Vice President, Tim Hattle, Owner of Hattle Framing
• Treasurer, JoAnne McCormick, CEO of CFO Partners

K-W Oktoberfest has been an annual event in Waterloo Region since 1969. Since then, it has become one of the largest Bavarian festivals outside of Germany.