ITC Grand Chola has announced the elevation of Chef Nikhil Nagpal as its new Executive Chef. The luxury property, known as one of India’s largest hotels with more than 11 food and beverage brands and iconic banquet venues, has chosen a leader who has been part of its journey from the very beginning.

Chef Nikhil was a member of the hotel’s opening team and has grown within the ITC Hotels ecosystem over the years. A homegrown talent, he began his journey at the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal, and later completed his professional training at the Welcomgroup Management Institute, the group’s in-house management training division. His career reflects ITC Hotels’ strong culture of developing talent and building leaders from within.

Since the inception of ITC Grand Chola, Chef Nikhil has been closely involved in shaping its wide-ranging culinary experiences. From managing large-format banquets to contributing to award-winning signature restaurants, he has supported several concepts and innovations that have defined the hotel’s food and beverage offerings. His creative direction has also played a major role in the growth of Avartana, ITC Hotels celebrated progressive Southern Indian restaurant known for its balance of authenticity, artistry, and modern technique.

As Executive Chef, he will continue to lead Avartana’s culinary direction while taking charge of all restaurant and banqueting operations at the hotel. His focus will remain on elevating guest experiences through thoughtful innovation, precision, and sustainable practices in line with ITC Hotels’ vision of responsible luxury.

Commenting on the elevation, Mr. Shaariq Akhtar, General Manager, ITC Grand Chola, said: “Chef Nikhil’s journey at ITC Grand Chola is a true example of leadership built from the ground up. Having been part of the opening team, he brings unmatched depth, creativity, and balance to this role. As the brand custodian of Avartana and a trusted leader in our culinary operations, he is ideally placed to guide our teams and take our food and beverage ambitions to the next level. We have exciting new F&B concepts on the horizon and we look forward to his continued contributions in this new chapter.”

On his new appointment, Chef Nikhil Nagpal said: “Being part of ITC Grand Chola since day one has been an incredibly rewarding journey. The hotel represents scale, diversity, and excellence, and I look forward to working with our talented teams to further strengthen our culinary offerings, while continuing to build on the legacy and innovation that Avartana stands for.”

With one of India’s largest luxury banqueting facilities and a strong portfolio of acclaimed dining destinations, ITC Grand Chola continues to raise the bar in the hospitality space. Chef Nikhil Nagpal’s elevation further highlights the brand’s long-standing commitment to nurturing internal talent and strengthening its culinary leadership for the future.