From Uttarakhand, India to New York: Yogesh Singh Rawat’s Inspiring Culinary Leadership Journey

From Uttarakhand, India to New York: Yogesh Singh Rawat’s Inspiring Culinary Leadership Journey

By Author

Published on June 30, 2025

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.

image

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.

image

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


Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Hotel Express Inn, Nashik, has welcomed Pankaj Jaswal as its new Operations Manager. Bringing with him valuable experience and a deep passion for hospitality, Pankaj Jaswal is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the hotel’s operations and guest engagement.

Express Inn has always been known for its focus on delivering memorable guest experiences, and this appointment marks another step towards enhancing service quality and operational excellence. The team expressed their excitement in welcoming him, noting that his expertise will help the property continue its journey of growth and success.

The Express Inn Family looks forward to achieving new milestones under his leadership, ensuring that every guest enjoys the warmth and hospitality the brand is known for.


Hotel Corus Welcomes Arun Sharma as New Operations Manager

Hotel Corus Welcomes Arun Sharma as New Operations Manager

By Author

Published on August 28, 2025

Hotel Corus, located in the heart of Connaught Place, Delhi, proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Arun Sharma as its new Operations Manager. A seasoned hospitality professional, Arun Sharma brings extensive experience in hotel operations and guest relations, with a proven track record of enhancing service standards and driving operational excellence. His expertise in streamlining processes and elevating guest satisfaction is set to strengthen the hotel’s position as a trusted destination for business and leisure travelers.

In his new role, Arun Sharma will oversee all day-to-day operations at Hotel Corus, ensuring seamless coordination among departments and delivering the brand’s commitment to high-quality hospitality. His leadership will focus on implementing innovative service strategies, fostering team growth, and curating exceptional guest experiences that reflect the hotel’s core values.

image

With this appointment, Hotel Corus reinforces its dedication to providing outstanding hospitality in one of Delhi’s most iconic locations. The team at Hospitalitynews congratulates Arun Sharma on his new role and looks forward to seeing him lead Hotel Corus to even greater achievements in service excellence.

Hotel Corus – Where Hospitality Meets Excellence


St. Regis Mumbai Appoints Li Qiang as Master Chef at By The Mekong

St. Regis Mumbai Appoints Li Qiang as Master Chef at By The Mekong

By Hariharan U

Published on August 28, 2025

 The St. Regis Mumbai has strengthened its culinary team with the appointment of Li Qiang as Master Chef Chinese, who will now helm the hotel’s award-winning Asian specialty restaurant, By The Mekong.

With a distinguished culinary journey spanning more than two decades, Chef Li brings with him unmatched expertise in authentic Chinese cuisine. His specialisation covers a wide range of regional styles including Sichuan, Cantonese, Guangdong, Beijing, and Shanghainese. A graduate in Chinese Food Technology, his craft reflects both deep-rooted tradition and modern finesse, offering guests an immersive dining experience.

Chef Li’s global career includes working across celebrated culinary hubs such as Singapore, Dubai, Doha, and Qatar, where he honed his skills in blending authenticity with innovation. His diverse background makes him uniquely placed to lead By The Mekong, one of Mumbai’s most celebrated Asian dining destinations, located at the Penthouse level of St. Regis Mumbai.

Speaking about his new role, Chef Li Qiang shared, “Cooking is my greatest passion, and my joy lies in watching guests taste, pause, and smile. At By The Mekong, I look forward to sharing the true essence of Chinese cuisine with dishes that carry both heart and soul, while guests soak in the stunning Mumbai cityscape”.

The appointment of Chef Li Qiang underlines St. Regis Mumbai’s commitment to bringing world-class culinary talent to its kitchens, offering diners not just a meal, but an experience steeped in culture, authenticity, and artistry.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.