Career Education Corporation, a global education company has named James Bartholomew as president, Le Cordon Bleu North America.

Le Cordon Bleu is the world's largest education institution, which focuses primarily on hospitality management and culinary arts.

"Our premier culinary schools will benefit from James' experience in enhancing operations, increasing enrollments, building employer alliances and preparing students for careers through hands-on education," Dan Hurdle, senior vice president, Chief Career Schools Officer said.

Le Cordon Bleu International president André J. Cointreau said that he is confident Bartholomew will develop new innovations and improvements in American schools and further enhance the image of Le Cordon Bleu.

Bartholomew will operate from the Career Education Corporation's Campus Support Center in Schaumburg, Ill.

Meanwhile, the curriculum at Le Cordon Bleu's 16 campuses in the U.S. will continue to be handled by certified master chef Edward Leonard, vice president of culinary education and corporate chef for Le Cordon Bleu Schools in North America.

Bartholomew's educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Western Carolina University and an MBA from Wake Forest University.

Prior to Le Cordon Bleu, Bartholomew served as vice president, campus operations and regional vice president, operations - East and campus president at Universal Technical Institute (UTI).

Career Education Corporation functions in more than 90 campuses across the U.S., France, Italy, the U.K. and the Principality of Monaco and offers doctoral, masters, bachelors and associate degrees and diploma and certificate programs.