In the ever-evolving world of hospitality, stories of perseverance, global ambition, and operational excellence are what shape the next generation of hoteliers. One such remarkable story is that of Yogesh Singh Rawat, whose journey from the tranquil valleys of Uttarakhand, India, to the bustling fine dining scene of New York City stands as a powerful testament to hard work, adaptability, and leadership.

Laying the Foundation: A Journey Rooted in Indian Hospitality

Yogesh began his hospitality journey in India, gaining rich and diverse experience across some of the country’s most prestigious hotel brands. His formative years with ITC Hotels, Marriott International (Westin Hotels & Resorts), and Avasa Hotel, Hyderabad, helped him master the art of blending operational precision with authentic guest experiences.

From managing luxury Food & Beverage operations to leading large-scale banquets for corporate conferences, grand weddings, and social galas, Yogesh showcased an innate ability to handle both scale and personalization.

His commitment to continuous learning and professional development became evident early in his career. Some of his notable certifications include:

• Operations Excellence Programme - Z.E.S.T from ITC-HMI, Manesar — focusing on operational efficiency and leadership excellence.

• “Deconstructing Bartending – The Ultimate Bartending Certification” conducted at ITC Sheraton, refining his expertise in mixology and beverage service.

• Remy Martin – Heart of Cognac Certification from Avasa Hotel, Hyderabad, which deepened his understanding of premium beverage offerings and service delivery.

These certifications didn’t just enhance his technical knowledge—they instilled in him the values of guest personalization, service discipline, and attention to detail, which now define his management style.

The Global Leap: Bringing Indian Hospitality to New York

Taking a bold step, Yogesh transitioned from India’s hotel sector to the international hospitality landscape. Today, he serves as General Manager at the renowned Fine Indian Dining Group in New York City, overseeing some of the city's most celebrated Indian restaurants. (To know more about the Fine Indian Dining Group, visit: www.fineindiandining.com)

In his leadership role, Yogesh manages a diverse portfolio that includes restaurant operations, banquets, Food & Beverage conferences, incentive programs, and exclusive outdoor catering events across the United States.

His ability to blend Indian hospitality values with international service standards has been a game-changer for the group. He’s known for fostering cross-functional teams, driving revenue growth, and delivering exceptional guest satisfaction, making him a respected leader among both his peers and clientele.

Leading with Vision and Adaptability

What truly sets Yogesh apart is his adaptive leadership style. Known for maintaining calm and composure even under high-pressure situations, he leads with a solutions-driven mindset and proactive planning approach.

Whether it’s implementing innovative dining concepts, optimizing upselling strategies, or elevating service SOPs, Yogesh ensures every operational decision aligns with the group’s core values: guest delight and profitability.

His expertise also extends to team mentoring, where he invests in training programs and performance development, ensuring that every team member evolves in line with global hospitality standards.

Looking Ahead: Elevating Indian Cuisine on the Global Stage

With Indian cuisine gaining heightened recognition worldwide, Yogesh is on a mission to redefine the fine dining experience for Indian food lovers abroad. His vision is to introduce innovative F&B concepts that honor India’s culinary heritage while staying relevant to international diners.

For the thousands of young hospitality professionals across India dreaming of making their mark globally, Yogesh Singh Rawat’s journey stands as an inspirational blueprint. His story is about roots, resilience, and reaching for the stars.

At Hospitalitynews, we proudly celebrate leaders like Yogesh—individuals who embody the true spirit of hospitality through culture, leadership, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. (Connect with Yogesh Singh Rawat on LinkedIn: CLICK HERE

A delightful new chapter unfolds at The Claridges New Delhi, as the iconic Ye Old Bakery welcomes Guru Choephel as its new pastry sous chef. Renowned for its vintage charm and cherished classics, the legendary bakery is set to see a thoughtful evolution under Choephel’s creative direction.

With more than a decade of experience spanning top hospitality brands such as Shangri-La Hotels, Hyatt Regency, Radisson Blu, and now The Claridges, Choephel brings with him a wealth of expertise in pastry artistry. His journey through bustling kitchens has shaped a strong foundation in chocolate work, intricate dessert plating, artisanal bread baking, and large-scale display setups.

From curating unique buffet concepts for festive occasions to refreshing patisserie selections in Bengaluru and Pune, Choephel has consistently combined creativity with operational finesse. His focus on building cohesive teams, upholding rigorous hygiene standards, and driving efficient production processes has earned him admiration among peers and guests alike.

At Ye Old Bakery, Choephel looks forward to adding a fresh perspective to beloved classics by introducing refined flavours and subtle modern touches. Guests can expect updated viennoiserie, thoughtfully reimagined tea cakes, and timeless confections presented with a sophisticated twist—ensuring the bakery continues to delight while resonating with evolving tastes.

“Ye Old Bakery is a name that evokes both nostalgia and excellence. I’m excited to build on its legacy by introducing bold, refined flavours and techniques that resonate with today’s guests. My goal is to honour its heritage while crafting thoughtful new experiences,” shared Guru Choephel.

Born in Tibet and raised in India, Choephel speaks English, Hindi, Tibetan, and basic Chinese and French—a testament to his global outlook and versatile approach to hospitality. With his appointment, The Claridges New Delhi continues its commitment to delivering memorable culinary experiences rooted in tradition, yet attuned to modern palates.

Shangri-La Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Meena Rewari as its new director of sales and marketing, bringing on board a seasoned hospitality leader with over two decades of experience across some of India’s top luxury hotel brands.

In her new role, Meena will lead the hotel’s integrated sales and marketing functions, crafting strategic initiatives across rooms, events, and food and beverage to strengthen Shangri-La Bengaluru’s position in a dynamic market.

Rewari’s distinguished career includes pivotal roles at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Park Hyatt Chennai, and Hyatt Regency Delhi, where she successfully drove sales strategies, engaged closely with the diplomatic and corporate communities, and expanded market reach. Recognised for her deep market insight and ability to build lasting relationships, she now brings that expertise to Shangri-La’s legacy of luxury Asian hospitality.

“We are thrilled to have Meena on board. Her leadership will not only strengthen our market positioning but also enhance our engagement with key partners across the region. As part of our senior leadership team, Meena will also play a vital role in mentoring talent and championing women in hospitality, values that reflect the inclusive culture we aspire to build,” said Andreas Streiber, general manager of Shangri-La Bengaluru.

Expressing her excitement, Meena Rewari shared,

“I am excited to explore the dynamic Bengaluru market and be part of a brand that so gracefully exemplifies luxury through Asian warmth and service. Shangri-La is an inspiring group, and I look forward to contributing to its exceptional legacy while growing with its values.”

Her appointment underscores Shangri-La Bengaluru’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and nurturing leadership that not only drives business but also shapes the future of hospitality.