Mastering the Art of Leadership Through Cuisine: Jerson Fernandes

Mastering the Art of Leadership Through Cuisine: Jerson Fernandes

By Hariharan U

Published on October 15, 2025

Few journeys in the culinary world are as inspiring as that of Jerson Montereyjack Fernandes. Today, as Director of Culinary Operations at Sodexo India and a Guinness World Record holder, Chef Jerson exemplifies how passion and perseverance can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary achievements. His mantra "Never forget your roots", underscores a career built not just on technical mastery, but on heart, purpose, and authenticity.

Chef Jerson holds the unique distinction of being the only Indian chef to cook twice for the White House Delegates, USA. A testament to his international caliber. His accolades speak volumes: India’s Best Chef 2021-22 and 2022-23, Star Chef Award of India 2019, and felicitations from the Chief Minister of Goa and the Mayor of Mumbai. He also became India’s first Executive Hotel Chef to deliver a TEDx talk, sharing culinary wisdom with a broader audience. He was also recognized as the most Creative chef of India in 2016 and 2017.

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From corporate boardrooms to Bollywood sets, Chef Jerson’s clientele reads like a roll call of Indian excellence. He has crafted meals for the whose who of the corporate, sporting and glamor industry. To name a few, business titans such as Azeem Premji (Wipro), Rohit Java (Hindustan Unilever), Sindhu G (SAP), Naveen Jindal (Jindal Steel) etc, while delighting Bollywood stars Kareena Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Vicky Kaushal etc, Tollywood heroes Prabhas, Ravi Teja, Sathyaraaj etc and sports legends Steve Waugh, Kapil Dev, Mary Kom, Leander Paes etc.

Beyond the glamour, Chef Jerson has pioneered meaningful initiatives. He became India’s first Executive Chef to train and collaborate with special needs children, a CSR effort close to his heart. He has also imparted culinary training to the armed forces at INS Hamla, earning their special recognition.

With 150,000 plus organic Instagram followers, 4 million average monthly views, and 61,000+ LinkedIn connections making him the second-most-followed Indian chef globally, Jerson has mastered the art of digital storytelling. His appearances on the sets of MasterChef India in 2024 and 2025 further cemented his status as a household name.

Chef Jerson Fernandes proves that with dedication, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, even a dishwasher can cook for the world’s best and inspire millions along the way. His journey shows that humble beginnings are no barrier to extraordinary achievements. From cooking for the celebrities to mentoring future chefs, his story blends talent with heart. Beyond awards and recognition, his work inspires, uplifts, and makes a meaningful impact. He proves that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, even the loftiest dreams are within reach.

Chef Jerson currently heads the culinary operations in the Corporate Food segment for Sodexo India, the French multinational renowned for its global food and facilities services. He reports to Mr. Rakesh Agarwal (COO – Corporate Food, India), whom he fondly regards as his guiding light and mentor in the corporate world.


Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road appoint Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta as Director of Operations

Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road appoint Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta as Director of Operations

By Hariharan U

Published on January 5, 2026

Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road have announced the appointment of Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta as Director of Operations. A seasoned hospitality professional with close to two decades of experience, Dutta brings strong operational expertise, people-focused leadership, and a deep understanding of Accor’s brand culture.

In his new role, Dutta will oversee overall operations across both Novotel and ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road. His responsibilities include driving operational efficiency, enhancing guest experience, strengthening financial performance, and building high levels of team engagement. His leadership is expected to further reinforce the hotels’ positioning as preferred destinations for both business and leisure travellers in Bengaluru.

Dutta has been associated with Accor India for over 15 years and has held several key leadership roles across the group’s portfolio. Most recently, he was part of Accor’s prestigious MEA–APAC Master’s Program, a fast-track General Manager development initiative, where he gained extensive cross-functional exposure at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre.

Earlier in his career, he served as Director – Talent & Culture at leading Accor properties including Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre; Novotel & ibis Chennai OMR; Novotel & ibis Chennai SIPCOT; and Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, playing a key role in strengthening people practices and organisational culture.

Commenting on the appointment, Sandeep Johri, general manager, Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, said, “We are delighted to welcome Bhavani in his new role. His strong operational grounding, people-centric leadership style, and deep understanding of Accor’s culture make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident he will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and elevating guest experiences across both hotels.”


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Sushil Kumar as Director of Engineering

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Sushil Kumar as Director of Engineering

By Hariharan U

Published on January 3, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport has announced the appointment of Sushil Kumar as its new director of engineering. In his role, Kumar will be responsible for overall property maintenance, ensuring that the hotel’s infrastructure, utilities, and critical systems operate smoothly and efficiently at all times.

With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Kumar brings strong technical knowledge, project management expertise, and a hands-on approach to operational excellence. He will lead the engineering team with a focus on strengthening preventive maintenance, improving safety standards, and supporting the hotel’s sustainability goals through better energy management and efficient use of resources.

His responsibilities will also include coordinating renovation and upgrade projects, ensuring statutory compliance, and maintaining a safe and well-functioning environment that enhances overall guest experience.

Kumar has previously held key engineering roles with leading hospitality brands, including Hilton and IHCL (Taj Hotels). During his career, he has successfully managed large-scale renovation programmes, major utility upgrades, and sustainability initiatives, while building expertise across HVAC and electrical systems, fire and life safety, CAPEX planning, energy management, and complex project execution.

Commenting on his appointment, Kumar said, “I am excited to join Novotel Hyderabad Airport and contribute to a property that is known for its high operational standards and commitment to guest experience. My focus will be on strengthening engineering systems, driving safety and sustainability, and supporting the hotel’s growth through efficient and future-forward infrastructure management.”

Welcoming him to the team, Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, stated, “We are pleased to have Sushil join the NHA family. He brings a depth of experience that will significantly bolster our engineering function. His proven ability to manage complex projects and build high-performing teams will be a strong asset as we continue to enhance the hotel’s infrastructure and overall operational capabilities.”


Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West Appoints Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as Engineering Manager

Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West Appoints Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as Engineering Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 3, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West has announced the appointment of Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as its Engineering Manager. In his new role, Yadav will lead the hotel’s engineering, facilities and sustainability operations, ensuring that all technical systems function seamlessly to support guest comfort and smooth hotel operations.

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Yadav brings strong expertise in engineering leadership and infrastructure management. He has previously worked with reputed hotel brands including Fairmont Udaipur Palace, The Westin Goa and Della Adventure & Resorts Pvt Ltd. His professional journey reflects a solid understanding of hotel engineering systems, preventive maintenance practices and energy-efficient operations.

At Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West, Yadav will be responsible for overseeing advanced energy management, preventive maintenance programmes and the adoption of next-generation building technologies. His appointment comes at a time when reliable, intelligent and sustainable infrastructure plays a critical role in delivering consistent guest experiences and long-term operational resilience.

Commenting on the appointment, Imran Khan, Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West, highlighted the importance of strong engineering leadership in hospitality operations. “Great engineering is often invisible, until it isn’t. With Abhimanyu leading our team, we are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring our guests' comfort, safety, and seamless experience is never compromised. His focus on proactive care and sustainable innovation reflects our commitment to both our guests and our community,” he said.

With this appointment, Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West continues to strengthen its leadership team, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and guest-centric hospitality.

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