Jaisalmer Marriott Resort and Spa Appoints Jamal Ali Sha as Executive Chef

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – The Jaisalmer Marriott Resort and Spa is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jamal Ali Sha as its new Executive Chef. Jamal brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked with renowned establishments for over a decade in India and abroad.  

In his new responsibility, Chef Jamal will play a pivotal role in further elevating the resort's already impressive culinary offerings. With two dining venues, extended banquet facilities and round the clock dining options, the resort is well poised to be a market leader in the food and beverage segment. 

Acute attention to detail has been the cornerstone of his success and he attributes this learning to his peers and well-wishers. 

On the occasion of the appointment, Shiv Bose, General Manager of the Jaisalmer Marriott Resort and Spa, adds, we are delighted to welcome Chef Jamal to the team. His dedication to excellence and passion for culinary arts align perfectly with our vision to curate and serve the best to our guests. 

Being an avid photographer, he relishes a scenic delight and never misses an occasion to say “Cheese” 

JW Marriott Chandigarh has elevated Chef Tenzin Phunstok as Executive Chef

January 2024, Chandigarh: Celebrating culinary excellence, JW Marriott Chandigarh proudly announces the promotion of Chef Tenzin Phunstok to the esteemed position of Executive Chef. Boasting an impressive career spanning over 17 years in the Food & Beverage and hospitality sector, Chef Tenzin initially joined the JW Marriott Chandigarh team in September 2022 as the Executive Sous Chef.

In his new role, Chef Tenzin undertakes crucial responsibilities, overseeing the culinary operations and maintaining the high-quality standards synonymous with the JW brand. His focus will include enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring unparalleled guest satisfaction. Prior to his association with JW Marriott Chandigarh, Chef Tenzin garnered invaluable experience working with renowned international brands such as IHG, Accor, and Taj.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Chef Tenzin stated, "I am honored and thrilled to be part of the prestigious JW Marriott Chandigarh. It is an exciting opportunity to bring my passion for culinary innovation to this renowned establishment. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences and contributing to the culinary legacy of the hotel."

Acknowledging Chef Tenzin's culinary prowess, General Manager - Vishal Singh remarked, "Chef Tenzin has consistently demonstrated culinary excellence. His wealth of culinary expertise and innovation has significantly contributed to the property. I am confident that under his supervision, the culinary standards at JW Marriott Chandigarh will reach new heights."

SLS Dubai Welcomes Chef Jarvis Dong as New Executive Chef

With over 16 years of culinary experience, Chef Jarvis Dong is geared to further strengthen SLS Dubai’s culinary team and offering

November 2023, Dubai | Building upon a remarkable year of exciting new culinary offerings and launches, SLS Dubai is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chef Jarvis Dong as the hotel’s new esteemed Executive Chef, as he is set to elevate the dining experience even further as it enters a new chapter.

Boasting over 16 years of culinary experience and a notable background in hospitality and the luxury landscape, Chef Jarvis has refined his culinary expertise and acumen at a host of esteemed properties in the Middle East and Asia. He began his illustrious career when he set sail internationally to become Commis Chef at Madinat Jumeirah, followed by exemplary roles in China with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in Hangzhou and Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Sanya. Slowly climbing the ranks, Chef Jarvis’ globe-trotting experience also includes senior culinary positions at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Riyadh and Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah.

Prior to his current role, Chef Jarvis led Six Senses Qingcheng Mountain Hotel in Chengdu, China, as Executive Chef, where he oversaw six leading culinary divisions, banquets, and catering. Chef Jarvis Dong's culinary journey has taken him across diverse cuisines and multidisciplinary practices in the kitchen, allowing him to cultivate a unique and dynamic culinary style while seamlessly managing a dedicated team of professionals.

Under his tutelage as SLS Dubai’s Executive Chef, Chef Jarvis will oversee the culinary operations of the hotel's esteemed outlets, such as the newly renovated Carna by Dario Cecchini, Smoke & Mirrors, and exciting new ventures within the property slated to open early next year. Chef Jarvis will also champion the hotel’s sustainability ethos and further cement SLS Dubai as the region’s leading culinary crown jewel.

Fairfield By Marriott Appoints Amit Chakraborti as Executive Chef

The newest Marriott property in Mumbai – Fairfield by Marriott, Mumbai International Airport announces the appointment of Amit Chakraborti as Executive Chef. He will be taking care of overall culinary team.

Amit comes with an extensive experience of 18 years across various luxury, lifestyle and business hotels. 

Prior to Joining Fairfield by Marriott, Amit has also worked with Brands like Le Meridien Nagpur as Executive Chef, Lemon Tree Premier Mumbai, Courtyard by Marriott Chakan, Hyatt, Sahara Star and Intercontinental Marine Drive. 

In his current role at Fairfield by Marriott Amit will be instrumental in Processes like managing the execution of all operations in the culinary department, focusing of guest satisfaction, and delight and adding new innovations for the hotel. He will be leading the culinary team while assisting to exceed property goals.

The Westin Rishikesh Resort & Spa announced the appointment of Pankaj Singh Panwar as the Executive Chef

National, September 2023: The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas one of the most iconic resorts in Marriott International’s diverse portfolio in India, has announced the appointment of Pankaj Singh Panwar as its Executive Chef. Pankaj will be responsible for spearheading the culinary operations, ensuring efficiency, supervising quality guest experiences and satisfaction.

Pankaj Singh Panwar is a seasoned chef with global experience of over a decade in the hospitality industry. His primary responsibilities will involve supervising the culinary operations, upholding high-quality standards, improving efficiency, and ensuring utmost guest satisfaction.

An alumni of Punjab National University, Pankaj commenced his career in 2010 with Wyndham hotels and has gained valuable experience working at renowned establishments such as, J W Marriott Aero City, New Delhi, Sofitel Luxury Hotel Jumeirah Beach Dubai, St. Regis, W Hotel Al Habtoor city complex, The Show by Mawal club & lounge Hilton Al Habtoor city and Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek.

Throughout his professional journey, he has honed his expertise in various aspects of the culinary field, including outlet operations, recipe development, monitoring, training, quality control, hiring, administration functionalities, and fine dining.

Known for his analytical and problem-solving approach, Pankaj has mastered the art of customer satisfaction through his ability to bring personalisation in each dish. Pankaj enjoys conversations with people from all facets of life and looks at learning something new from his peers, guests and loved ones.

Neeraj Tyagi Is Appointed The New Executive Chef For Park Hyatt Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Telangana August 2023 Park Hyatt Hyderabad is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Neeraj Tyagi as the Executive Chef at Park Hyatt Hyderabad. Chef Neeraj Tyagi is an accomplished culinary professional with over 23 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector.  

With comprehensive knowledge of international cuisine and an innovative approach to setting the stage for a customized dining experience, he has expertise in both social and corporate markets with success in large-scale event planning, food production, food preparation, and menu planning. 

His last assignment was working as a culinary consultant for Nohm Hospitality Group in Dubai for their restaurants at Taj Dubai, Business Bay. He was the Director of Culinary for Pullman and Novotel Aerocity, NewDelhi, managing eight restaurants/outlets. This is where he introduced fresh ideas like “The Farmers Basket” which altered the local culinary scene and enhanced the entire guest experience. 

He has global exposure working as an Executive Chef at The Kempinski -Jordan, The Garibaldi- Singapore, Hulhulle Island Hotel -Maldives, Princi- London, Italian fine dining Restaurant- Toto’s with Michelin star Chef Gennaro Vito and Shangri-La at the Shard -London. 

He isn’t new to team management. He moved up to be an EAM from an Executive Chef at the Shangri-la’s Eros Hotel, New Delhi where he handled a brigade of 120 chefs and 137 talented F&B professionals, driving the overall F&B revenues and departmental profitability with a high guest satisfaction index. 

While he is celebrated for his culinary prowess with multiple Awards and Recognitions, he humbly accepts moments over mementos and shares experiences where he has closely worked with world-renowned chefs like David Fenstra of Molecular Gastronomy fame, Frans Dijksman, Dennis Out, Austrian Chef Markus Moser, Spanish Chef Jeorge Acereto, and Chef Andreu Genestra. 

"I am truly honored to embark on this exciting journey with Park Hyatt Hyderabad," shared Chef Neeraj Tyagi. "My passion for culinary artistry has always been fueled by the desire to create memorable dining experiences that resonate with guests on a profound level. I look forward to pushing the boundaries of creativity, collaborating with a talented team, and curating exceptional moments for our discerning guests."

Chef Tyagi's arrival marks an exciting chapter in Park Hyatt Hyderabad’s culinary narrative.

Espire Hospitality Group’s upcoming ‘Country Inn Premier’ hotel in Dehradun appoints Pradeep Singh Panwar as the Executive Chef

Country Inn Premier – The Prominence, Dehradun, planned to open on 11th August, 2023, appoints Pradeep Singh Panwar as the Executive Chef. With an illustrious career in culinary operations that spans over two decades, Chef Pradeep will be spearheading the unique and evocative dining concepts that the hotel will offer.

Chef Pradeep’s extensive experience in culinary operations with renowned hospitality brands such as Intercontinental Hotel Group, Grand Hyatt, and Radisson Hotel Group makes him an ideal fit to launch and establish the well-planned fresh concepts for the curious and experimental diners of Dehradun.

Unlike the conventional way of dining, the hotel has curated two different dining scenes at the same venue to match guests’ mood on the basis of days of the week. One will be able to relish an ‘unlimited Indian and Asian fare’ at the hotel’s weekends only restaurant ‘Ameya’s Kitchen’ as they start getting into the weekend mood of indulging in endless dining pleasures, while the weekdays restaurant ‘Where the heart lies’ would serve a wide range of the most popular Asian, Continental and progressive Indian culinary delights.

Equipped with the creative vision and dedication to excellence, Chef Pradeep is poised to elevate the dining experience for Dehradun audience. His passion for utilizing locally sourced, quality produce will enhance the culinary offerings and offer the best of hygiene standards.

Akhil Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Espire Hospitality Group, shared his excitement, stating "We are delighted to welcome Chef Pradeep to our team and are eager to create a dining scene that will give our guests a reason to keep visiting their favourite dining spot repeatedly. We are confident that Chef Pradeep will be an invaluable asset, infusing his creativity, vast experience, and impressive culinary style to curate dining experiences that are both indulgent and nourishing."

 About Country Inn Premier – The Prominence, Dehradun

Conveniently located on the Dehradun - Mussoorie road, ‘Country Inn Premier - The Prominence, Dehradun’ overlooks the tranquil Malsi forest and majestic Himalayan range. The upscale hotel is a tasteful amalgamation of modern aesthetic and enriching experiences that promises an elevated stay in Dehradun. Featuring 42 contemporary guestrooms, destination dining options and with every detail crafted carefully, the hotel is sure to offer lasting memories. At ‘Country Inn Premier - The Prominence, Dehradun’, experience the well-known ‘Country Inn’ hospitality that is heartfelt and intuitive, spacious interiors and premium amenities for an inspiring stay.  

About Espire Hospitality Group

Espire Hospitality Group is the owning company of India’s most magnificent luxury resort ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’, own and operate a mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’ and operate a luxury boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ that is a confluence of luxury and top notch hospitality. The group plans to open 20 hotels and resorts in next 2 to 3 years.

Suresh Natarajan has been appointed as the Executive Chef at Le Meridien Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Le Meridien Hyderabad has announced the appointment of Suresh Natarajan as their executive chef. 

Chef Suresh brings over 20 years of culinary expertise with him. As the Executive Chef of the hotel, in addition to expanding his skill set to put the finest experiential and gastronomic food and beverage concepts at the forefront, he will oversee the hotel’s culinary operations, which comprise the hotel’s award-winning restaurants, the banquet kitchen, and in-room dining operations.

Prior to joining the Le Meridien Hyderabad team, he worked with many hospitality chains including Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golf Links, Crowne Plaza Electronic City Bengaluru, The Park Chennai, Le Meridien Coimbatore, Leela Kempinski Kovalam, Taj Connemara & others. His last assignment was with Rosetta by Ferns, Sakleshpur as the Executive Chef. 

Chef Suresh believes in utilizing local ingredients to bring out the best seasonal flavors in his dishes. He is a strong advocate of continuous learning and draws inspiration from different cuisines and cultures.

Vaibhav Sagar, the General Manager at Le Meridien Hyderabad, expressed his excitement about Chef Suresh's appointment, stating, “Chef Suresh possesses advanced skills, fundamental knowledge, and the ability to inspire his team members to exceed guest expectations. The hotel is confident that Chef Suresh, along with his culinary experts, will present the best food and beverage offerings in Hyderabad.”

The Orchid Hotel Pune appointment Dinesh Mhatre as the new Executive Chef

Pune: The Orchid Hotel Pune proudly announces the appointment of Dinesh Mhatre as their new Executive Chef. With over 23 years of culinary experience, Chef Dinesh brings his expertise and passion for creating new and innovative culinary offerings to this prestigious role.

As the Executive Chef at The Orchid Hotel Pune, Chef Dinesh will play a pivotal role in shaping the culinary offerings of the hotel. From crafting exquisite menus to ensuring exceptional service for guests, he will lead the culinary team with his remarkable talent and mentorship. Furthermore, he will be responsible for sourcing the right candidates for food and beverage, ensuring a high standard of culinary excellence throughout the hotel.

Chef Dinesh Mhatre has earned his reputation through his association with renowned hospitality chains in the country, including Radisson Blu Kharadi, Courtyard Marriott Ahmadabad, Hilton Mumbai International Airport, JW Marriott pune, Hyatt regency Mumbai, and The Orchid Mumbai, His extensive array of proficiency and deep understanding of exceptional and modern aspects in the F&B industry make him an invaluable addition to The Orchid Hotel Pune. Chef Dinesh's unwavering attention to detail and relentless hard work have resulted in prominent achievements in gastronomy.

After working for various hotels this is a homecoming for Chef Dinesh Mhatre considering he has worked with the brand before. 

Commenting on his appointment, Chef Dinesh Mhatre said, "I am truly honored to join The Orchid Hotel Pune and be part of this distinguished hospitality brand. I am excited to bring my culinary expertise and passion for innovation to create exceptional dining experiences for our guests. By combining local flavors and international influences, my team and I aim to delight palates and exceed expectations. I look forward to leading the culinary team in crafting memorable moments and leaving a lasting impression on our esteemed guests."

The Orchid Hotel Pune, located around the scenic views of Balewadi, is Pune’s only ecotel hotel. Renowned for its welcoming ambiance and impeccable service. The hotel offers a blend of eco-friendly yet modern amenities and warm hospitality, making it a preferred choice for business and leisure travelers alike. With its four exceptional F&B outlets - Boulevard, Pink Frangipani, Gourmet Shop, and Cherry Blossom, guests can indulge in a variety of culinary delights.

Gopi Nandakumar Appointed as the Executive Chef, Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences

Pune, India – Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences is proud to announce the appointment of Chef Gopi as its new Executive Chef. With over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, Chef Gopi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences, Chef Gopi has worked with several reputable establishments, including Indian Hotels Company Limited, Colonial Gourmet Foods, Heritage Park Australia, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Chef Gopi's passion for culinary has honed his skills in Asian, Western, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisine.

In his new role, Chef Gopi will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's food and beverage operations, including its restaurants and banquet facilities. He will work closely with the hotel's culinary team to create innovative menus and dining experiences that reflect the hotel's commitment to quality and excellence.

"We are thrilled to have Chef Gopi join our team at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences," said Mr. Ramandeep Marwah, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences. "With his extensive experience and passion for culinary, we are confident that Chef Gopi will take our food and beverage offerings to new heights."

Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences is committed to providing its guests with exceptional dining experiences that showcase the best of local and international cuisine. With Chef Gopi at the helm, the hotel looks forward to delighting its guests with an array of culinary delights.

Halim Ali Khan appointed as the new Executive Chef at Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel

Chef Halim brings with him over 16 years of rich culinary experience and exceptional leadership skills

With his extensive culinary experience and passion for creativity, Chef Halim is a valuable addition to the hotel’s culinary team. His journey in the hospitality industry has taken him to different parts of the world, where he has honed his craft and created unique culinary experiences for guests.

In his new role, Chef Halim will oversee the culinary operations of the hotel’s three outlets: R Kitchen – the multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant, Kuro – The Asian Bistro, and Mill & Co – Coffee House, along with the Banquets.

Chef Halim’s culinary journey began in India, where he developed his expertise in local and international cuisines. His passion for culinary arts led him to the Philippines, where he worked as a Restaurant Operations Chef at a luxury hotel in Manila. He has also explored the culinary landscape of Nepal, where he served as Executive Sous Chef at a renowned hotel in Kathmandu. There, he showcased his culinary skills and developed a deep understanding of the local culinary traditions, infusing them with his own unique style. His culinary passion has led him to master the art of various cuisines, including North Indian, Brazilian grill, French, Asian, and Filipino.

Chef Halim enjoys exploring local cuisines, practicing spirituality, and listening to Sufi songs in his free time.

Holiday Inn Cochin is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Executive Chef Shankar Dhakal

Chef Shankar Dhakal

A passionate hotelier with an impressive experience of around 17 years in hospitality industry

Dhakal was associated with various brands like Leela Kempinski, Park Hyatt and IHG with expertise in Italian, Western, Indian and Asian cuisines.

He boasts of a rich and diverse culinary background, including both classic cooking and modern techniques and has the expertise to deliver a luxury experience in all food and beverage departments of the hotel.

Outside his realm of work, he enjoys cooking, travelling, trekking, wildlife photography, music, and reading.

JATINDER PAL SINGH APPOINTED AS AN EXECUTIVE CHEF AT SHERATON GRAND BENGALURU WHITEFIELD HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

Bengaluru, April/May 2023: Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center announces the appointment of Jatinder Pal Singh as their Executive Chef.

With a meritorious experience of over 20 years, Jatinder has worked with renowned hospitality brands including Taj, The Leela, Le Meridian, Westin and Sheraton. In his last assignment, Jatinder was associated with The Leela Bhartiya City, Hotel Convention & Residences, Bengaluru as the preopening Executive Chef. His seasoned experience in culinary operations, as well as avant-garde gastronomy, makes him ideal for the diverse Food and Beverage offerings of the hotel.

His cooking expertise range from distinct evolution of Indian to global cuisines, Chef is trained under the best of the Michelin chefs during his culinary journey of 20 years. He is a maestro of innovative buffet set-ups, fine dining presentations and voluminous catering for banquets and conventions. Along with customizing and catering every palate, to understanding the nitty-gritties of various techniques, Jatinder expresses his love for food by supporting an edgy and intricate tattoo of a knife. 

Jatinder has earned many accolades to his merit, including Top Most Hospitality Icons 2023, Power 25 Culinary – Top 6 Asia, Middle East and Africa 2022, FHRAI Hotel Chef of the Year 2016-17 and IPR Solace Chef of the Year 2016-17. His profound knowledge and willingness to experiment will ensure smooth operations and an unparalleled dining experience at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center.

Jatinder is a graduate in International Hospitality Management from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh and is an alumni of IIHM Kolkata. Jatinder is an avid biker and his idea of unwinding is through cooking for his son and travelling while exploring cuisines around the globe.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,200 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®️, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.MarriottNewsCenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Shangri-La Bengaluru appoints Nishesh Seth as its new Executive Chef

Nishesh Seth will oversee the hotel’s culinary operations across eight restaurants and bars, along with the banqueting operations of Shangri-La Bengaluru

With over 15 years of experience working in some of the most prestigious luxury hotels in the country, Chef Nishesh Seth will bring to the table creativity and exemplary culinary skills.
 
Chef Nishesh has extensive knowledge of varied cuisines, culinary operations, innovative culinary techniques, and has a talent for creating new and exciting dining experiences. 
 
He is set for his second stint at Shangri-La Bengaluru, where he is poised to elevate the dining experiences for guests with his creative new concepts and use of locally sourced quality produce, while maintaining the hotel’s excellent service and food hygiene standards.

Chef Nishesh says, “I am very excited to return to Shangri-La Bengaluru. There is currently a keen focus on sustainability in the city which resonates with my culinary ethos. My father is very passionate about his food, which over the years, has inspired me to develop new food and beverage concepts that not only tantalize taste buds, but also support local communities and the environment through a contemporary and sustainable approach to cooking.”

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort managed by Accor Welcome Sunal Thakur as the New Executive Chef

Visakhapatnam, March 2023: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort managed by Accor is pleased to announce the appointment of Sunal Thakur as their New Executive Chef. With over 24 years of experience in revenue generation, client relationship management, liaison and coordination, inventory management, financial management, and team management, Sunal Thakur brings a wealth of knowledge to the hotel's culinary team.

In his new role, Thakur will be responsible for creating innovative menus for various outlets and events, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and consistency. As an asset to any hotel or hospitality establishment, he is expected to elevate the culinary offerings of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach to new heights.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr. Ravi Rai, Cluster General Manager of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, and The Bheemili Resort managed by Accor said,

"We are delighted to welcome our new Executive Chef, Sunal Thakur, to our team. With his exceptional expertise in managing kitchen operations, we are confident that he will elevate our culinary offerings and enhance guest satisfaction. His proven track record of upholding the highest standards of food quality and safety makes him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to his contribution in maintaining our reputation as a leading hospitality destination."

Sunal Thakur previously has worked in renowned properties such as previously The Radisson Hotel,  Vivanta By Taj where he opened “TADO”  the pastry shop, and Movenpick Hotel to name a few and has catered for numerous high-profile events, including the British Tobacco Company, Indian President Ms. Pratibha Patil, etc. His ability to deliver exceptional services to a diverse range of clients is a testament to his expertise and professionalism in the culinary industry. Moreover, his selection as an external examiner at the IHM, Gwalior, by the Tourism Department Govt. of India, and his service as a judge for various culinary and chef competitions reflect his outstanding credibility and expertise.

Chef Sankha Dasmahapatra appointed as the Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong.

With over a decade of culinary experience, Chef Sankha Dasmahapatra is an experienced Executive Sous Chef with a demonstrated history of working in the Hospitality Industry and has been appointed as the Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong.

With a passion for cooking, Chef Sankha Dasmahapatra has earned his bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Annamalai University. He has an incredible line of work with leading hospitality chains like JW Marriott Kolkata, JW Marriott Chandigarh, JW Marriott Mussoorie, Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa, Hyatt Regency Delhi and Hyatt Regency Kolkata to name a few. His last assignment was with Raffles Udaipur as an Executive Sous Chef.

Chef Sankha’s extensive knowledge of all facets of hotel operations, remarkable leadership capabilities, strong record in refining banquet operations and restaurant management while maintaining the highest quality standards have all contributed to his exponential success

During his career, he has added several honors to his merit, “Legend of the month”- Month of April -2019 (JW Marriott Kolkata), 2019- Times Food Guide Awards (JW Kitchen), Awarded with the prestigious award Best “Hyatt Culinary Employee” in India, Month of November – 2013 by The Executive Chef Marin Leuthard (Hyatt Regency Delhi). Chef Sankha’s culinary expertise ranges from Thai, Indian to Italian cuisines.

Chef Sankha is an avid traveller who also enjoys music in his spare time.

Sayaji Pune appoints Chef Yashwant Sopne as their new Executive Chef

Pune, March 2023: Sayaji Pune is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Yashwant Sopne as the new Executive Chef. Having started his journey as a Commi 3 chef in restaurants, he got his first entry into star properties with Ginger Hotel as a Commi 1 chef. He has come a long way since then. With his vast experience, Chef Yashwant has developed a strong repertoire to deliver a memorable experience to his diners.

With a penchant for cooking, Chef Yashwant uses the kitchen as his blank canvas to paint it wild with his unstoppable passion and innovative flavors that will linger on in your memory.

With almost 23 years of experience, Chef Yashwant has gained great exposure in the culinary field. Prior to joining Sayaji Pune, Chef Yashwant has been associated with several renowned hospitality brands such as Intercontinental hotel group, (IHG) Hilton Worldwide, Accor Hotels, Marriott International, The Orchid Hotel (Asia's first five-star Ecotel Hotel), Citrus Hotels & Resorts, Taj Group of Hotels to name a few. His last stint was with Ramani Hospitality as their Corporate Executive Chef.

Chef Yashwant has hands-on experience in Indian Cuisine Speciality, Italian, French, and Fusion food. Along with the kitchen, his responsibilities include taking care of guests’ special requests, monitoring hygiene and safety at work, curating special occasion menus, supervising the entire operation of restaurant & banquet events, and overlooking overall culinary operations. Chef Yashwant will also be accountable for maintaining high standards of discipline among his associates and mentoring them.

Commenting on his appointment, Chef Yashwant said, “I am delighted to join the team at Sayaji Pune & I look forward to elevating the dining experience for guests and developing a great rapport with my team”.

An accomplished culinary professional, Chef Yashwant Sopne looks forward to creating magic through innovation and experimentation with dishes to deliver a memorable dining experience for guests. The Sayaji Pune team is stoked to have him on board.

Jitendra Nakhwa has been appointed as the Executive Chef at InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort

With over 20 years of culinary expertise Jitendra has played an instrumental role in innovating new culinary dishes, spearheading the culinary teams and related operations

Jitendra started his culinary journey with Grand Hyatt Mumbai as Commis Chef and then soon moved to London with Hilton London Gatwick as Commis Chef. Thereafter, he also worked in USA with Master Chef Jose Gutierrez and learn nuances of French fine dining.

In 2007 he decided to come back to India, working with brands like Hyatt in Pune and Hyderabad as Executive Chef. Jitendra is not new to IHG as he was also the Executive Chef at Holiday Inn Cochin in 2017.

His last assignment was with Radisson Blu Dharamshala Resort as the Pre-opening charge of overall Food & Beverage Service & Production.

His forte includes food styling, restaurant food concept creation and menu engineering with a strong focus on improving service while preserving the highest levels of quality.

GRAND HYATT GURGAON APPOINTS HERWIG KNAPEN AS EXECUTIVE CHEF

Gurgaon, February 2023: Grand Hyatt Gurgaon has appointed Herwig Knapen as its Executive Chef. Chef Knapen will be leading all the culinary outlets in the hotel and will be responsible for overseeing all food and beverage operations including menu ideation, procurement, personnel management and catering.

With over two decades of accumulated culinary and leadership experience, Executive Chef Herwig will plan and execute an expansive repertoire of menus to deliver memorable experiences to Grand Hyatt Gurgaon's guests. His strong leadership skills and zest for innovation in the kitchen, enables him to curate a smorgasbord of flavours and delicacies which will appeal to the varied tastes of our guests.

Executive Chef Herwig began his career as a pastry chef in Vietnam and has worked with a collection of the world’s best kitchens and luxury five-star hotels such as JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Shangri-La in the US, Europe, and Asia. Prior to joining Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, he was an Executive Chef at Hilton, Belgium. With a culinary certificate; a certificate for marzipan, chocolate pastries, and candy; and a culinary degree in pastries & bread, Executive Chef Herwig brings a wealth of experience with him.

Besides perfecting his culinary skills, Executive Chef Herwig focuses much attention on F1 Racing and his pet cat Ameri.  A multilingual, he is fluent in speaking Dutch, Belgian, English, German, Romanian, French, and Spanish.

About Grand Hyatt 

Around the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities and resort destinations, each Grand Hyatt hotel is uniquely designed to be a captivating destination within a destination. Grand Hyatt hotels deliver welcoming and elevated service, first-class accommodations and an abundance of options within a multicultural backdrop of dramatic architecture and bold and vibrant design. Grand Hyatt properties boast inventive restaurants, luxury spas, fitness centers, and business and meeting facilities.  

Siddarth Noronha joins Sheraton Grand Pune as Executive Chef

With over 16 years of culinary expertise, Chef Siddarth has been spearheading myriad kitchens across leading brands

Blending the fine line between tradition, innovation, and authenticity, Chef Siddarth has a flair for inventive cooking, retaining simplicity at the core of every recipe he curates. With over 16 years of culinary expertise, Chef Siddarth has been spearheading myriad kitchens across leading brands.

In his role as the Executive Chef at Sheraton Grand Pune, Chef Siddarth will be overseeing the entire functioning of F&B offerings across banqueting, in-room dining, and outlets.

In pursuit of his passion for cooking, Chef Siddarth completed his Diploma in Hotel Management Catering Technology from Rizvi College. He started his career as a trainee with the Taj Mahal Hotel and moved on to work with international hospitality brands including Hyatt Regency Mumbai, Grand Hyatt Goa, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, and Sofitel BKC. During his tenure at Novotel Hotels and Resorts Goa, he conceptualized the utilization of unused spaces at the property to create three new restaurants, including the signature restaurant ‘Vero Cibo’.

In his leisure time, he enjoys keeping up with the constantly evolving culinary world and exploring new ways to imbibe innovation. An adventure seeker, he vouches for bike rides as a sure remedy to restore energy.