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


Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Promotes Chef Suresh Rajan Pillai as Head Chef

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Promotes Chef Suresh Rajan Pillai as Head Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 18, 2026

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad has announced the promotion of Chef Suresh Rajan Pillai as Head Chef, marking an important step in his journey with the property. The move recognises his contribution to shaping the hotel’s culinary identity and his consistent focus on innovation.

Chef Suresh, who was previously serving as Chef de Cuisine, has been leading the culinary direction at Mazzo, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Over time, he has brought a fresh perspective to South Indian cuisine, presenting it in a way that connects tradition with a more contemporary style.

image

A graduate of Oriental Catering College of Hotel Management, Madurai, Chef Suresh combines strong technical knowledge with a personal approach to cooking. His philosophy is built around the idea that every dish tells a story, drawing inspiration from the cultural roots of Madurai, the coastal flavours of Kerala, and his Malaysian background. This mix reflects clearly in his menus, which offer a modern take on familiar South Indian dishes.

During his time at Mazzo, he has introduced a range of curated dining experiences that have helped strengthen the restaurant’s presence in Hyderabad. From traditional Onam Sadhyas to specially designed Navratri menus featuring over 40 saatvik dishes, his work highlights both cultural authenticity and thoughtful presentation. Dishes like Venad Paal Konju, jackfruit masala wrapped in banana leaf, and his Malabar Feast have stood out for bringing together familiar flavours with a new approach.

His role has also been key in refreshing Mazzo’s overall menu, turning it into a go-to destination for modern South Indian dining. By combining regional influences with evolving culinary techniques, the restaurant continues to appeal to a wide range of guests.

Chef Suresh’s work has also been recognised at a national level, including the Chef of the Year award at the Restaurant India Awards 2026.

In his new role as Head Chef, he will lead the overall culinary operations of the property, focusing on strengthening its food and beverage offerings while continuing to highlight regional Indian cuisines through creative and engaging dining experiences.


Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Bharat Khanna as Front Office Manager

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Bharat Khanna as Front Office Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 17, 2026

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida has announced the appointment of Bharat Khanna as its new Front Office Manager, further strengthening its operational leadership team.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality operations, Bharat Khanna brings deep expertise in front office management, guest services, and team leadership. His career spans leading hotel brands, including Taj Mahal New Delhi, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, and Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini, where he has consistently delivered high standards of guest experience and operational excellence.

In his new role, he will oversee all front office operations, ensuring seamless guest journeys while upholding the brand’s service standards. His core competencies include guest relations, problem resolution, OTA and channel management, group bookings coordination, and business forecasting.

Known for his ability to mentor and inspire teams, Bharat has built a reputation for fostering a culture of performance and professionalism. His experience in managing VIP services, executive lounges, and high-profile guest interactions further strengthens his approach to enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Commenting on the appointment, Anurag Rai said, “We are delighted to welcome Bharat to Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida. His extensive experience and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences make him a valuable addition to our leadership team.”

Sharing his perspective, Bharat Khanna said, “I am excited to be part of Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida and look forward to contributing to the brand’s commitment to service excellence while working closely with the team to create memorable guest experiences.”

With this appointment, the hotel continues to reinforce its focus on operational excellence and guest-centric service, aligning with evolving expectations in the hospitality sector


Suba Hotels Limited Appoints Hakimuddin Kanorwala as Chief Finance Officer

Suba Hotels Limited Appoints Hakimuddin Kanorwala as Chief Finance Officer

By Hariharan U

Published on April 16, 2026

Suba Hotels Limited has announced the appointment of Hakimuddin Kanorwala as its Chief Finance Officer (CFO), strengthening its financial leadership team.

A qualified Chartered Accountant and an alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, where he completed a one-year Executive CFO Programme, Kanorwala brings a strong academic and professional foundation to his new role.

With over 15 years of experience in finance and accounts, he has built deep expertise across financial planning and analysis, budgeting, treasury, taxation, compliance, risk management, governance, strategic finance, and financial reporting.

Over the course of his career, Kanorwala has been associated with leading hospitality brands such as Hilton Hotels, Accor Hotels, and The Indian Hotels Company Limited, gaining strong domain expertise across global and Indian markets.

Prior to joining Suba Hotels Limited, he served as Corporate Director – Finance at Roots Corporation Limited, which operates the Ginger Hotels brand under the IHCL Group. In this role, he was part of the key management team and oversaw the organisation’s overall financial function.

Known for his strategic approach, Kanorwala has played a pivotal role in driving financial decision-making, supporting business growth, strengthening financial planning and discipline, and enhancing governance frameworks and internal controls. He has also led process transformation initiatives through technology and automation.

With this appointment, Suba Hotels Limited continues to reinforce its leadership structure, aiming to drive financial efficiency and sustainable growth in the competitive hospitality landscape.

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.