Wendling started his career at the Potel & Chabot catering firm in Paris, working in sales and operations. He joined AccorHotels in 2005, and started working as F&B manager at Novotel Warsaw Centrum, a 742-room hotel. Later he moved to Moscow and worked as F&B director at Novotel Sheremtyevo Airport, before being promoted to executive assistant manager.

Wendling served in that role at the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge from 2010 to 2013, overseeing the F&B and sales in the MICE & Conference field.