The 24-year-old has replaced Bruce Theobald in the role and will now oversee the seven-strong kitchen team and hotel bar offering.
Howes began his career as a HTP apprentice and has worked his way up to head chef in just 10 years.
He is hoping to emulate Robert Thompson, who was awarded his first Michelin star aged 23 at Winteringham Fields in Lincolnshire, before winning the Isle of Wight’s only star at The Hambrough.
The restaurant lost its star following Thompsons departure in 2013, and the Seaview Hotel is now the only restaurant with a Michelin award on the island after winning a Bib Gourmand in 2016.
“When I was offered the job I was so excited…of course it will be a challenge but I am confident, I have a brilliant team and it’s life’s challenges that help you to find out what you’re capable of,” says Howes.
Theobald is yet to announce his next move.