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.


Leads Brand Connect Appoints Puneet Chhabra as Business Head for Amazonika Mundi India

Leads Brand Connect Appoints Puneet Chhabra as Business Head for Amazonika Mundi India

By Hariharan U

Published on June 10, 2026

Leads Brand Connect has announced the appointment of Puneet Chhabra as Business Head for Amazonika Mundi India, strengthening the company’s leadership team as it expands the Brazilian plant-based food brand’s presence in the Indian market.

Under the exclusive sales, marketing, and distribution partnership between Leads Brand Connect and Amazonika Mundi India, Chhabra will be responsible for driving revenue growth, business operations, and market expansion across multiple channels, including HoReCa, food service, B2B, modern trade, and online platforms.

A seasoned professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Chhabra brings extensive expertise in brand building, distribution development, commercial leadership, and market expansion. His responsibilities will also include leading product innovation initiatives across ready-to-cook, ready-to-eat, and ready-to-drink categories.

Commenting on the appointment, Richa Khandelwal, Founder and Managing Director of Leads Brand Connect, said Chhabra’s experience across institutional, retail, and digital channels makes him well-positioned to accelerate Amazonika Mundi’s growth strategy in India.

Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Chhabra highlighted the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food choices among Indian consumers. He noted that Amazonika Mundi’s plant-based portfolio aligns strongly with evolving consumer preferences and presents significant opportunities across retail and food service segments.

Throughout his career, Chhabra has held leadership positions with several prominent food and beverage companies, including Kohinoor Foods, Amira G Foods, Miraya International, AAA Foods, Borges India, and Lavazza. He has also worked extensively with leading hospitality and retail brands, including Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, Oberoi Hotels, Marriott, Accor, IHG, Walmart India, Reliance Mart, and Spencer’s.

Founded in Rio de Janeiro in 2020, Amazonika Mundi is a 100 percent plant-based food company inspired by Brazil’s biodiversity. The brand traces its roots to Sottile Alimentos, a startup launched by brothers Thiago Rosolem and Bruno Rosolem in 2018. Since its inception, the company has focused on creating sustainable and innovative food products using natural Brazilian ingredients.

Today, Amazonika Mundi operates in Brazil, India, Israel, and Switzerland, with ambitions to expand its footprint further through premium plant-based food offerings and sustainable food solutions.

Leads Brand Connect, headquartered in Noida, has evolved from an integrated communications agency into a growing consumer brands company. Alongside Amazonika Mundi, the company manages brands such as Coração do Vale and continues to bring international gourmet and lifestyle brands to the Indian market.


Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road Appoints Ravi Rai as General Manager

Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road Appoints Ravi Rai as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on June 9, 2026

Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road has announced the appointment of Ravi Rai as its new General Manager. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, with a focus on strengthening service standards, enhancing guest experiences, driving operational excellence, and advancing talent development across the property.

With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ravi Rai brings deep expertise across hotel operations, strategic planning, guest engagement, brand development, and business growth. His career spans leadership roles across some of the most respected hospitality brands in India and reflects a strong track record of managing large teams and delivering consistent service excellence.

Prior to joining Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, Ravi served as General Manager at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, a well-known eco-conscious five-star hotel recognized for its sustainability-led hospitality practices. His earlier experience includes leadership roles within the Accor Group, where he managed properties such as Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Novotel Vijayawada, and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor.

He has also held key positions with globally recognized hospitality groups including Hilton, Taj Hotels (IHCL), and Carlson Rezidor. Over the years, Ravi has developed a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations, having worked across F&B, rooms division, and senior leadership roles, enabling him to build well-rounded and performance-driven teams.

Commenting on the appointment, Austin Roach, Managing Director, Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, said, “Mr Rai brings exactly the kind of leadership this property needs at this point in its journey. His operational track record and ability to integrate sustainability into a hotel’s culture as a genuine business philosophy stood out to us. We are unwavering in our commitment to responsible hospitality, and having someone at the helm who has lived and delivered that commitment instills strong confidence in our future.”

Speaking about his new role, Ravi Rai said, “Joining Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road feels like a natural next step, both professionally and in terms of values. My focus will be on channelling that energy purposefully, building a culture where sustainability is not a talking point but a daily practice owned by every member of the team. We will set clear goals, upskill our people, and raise the bar on responsible hospitality while continuing to deliver the exceptional guest experiences this hotel is known for.”

With his extensive operational background and people-centric leadership approach, Ravi Rai is expected to play a key role in strengthening the hotel’s positioning in Bengaluru’s competitive luxury hospitality market while driving its next phase of growth.


Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar Appoints Narendra Singh as Housekeeping Manager

Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar Appoints Narendra Singh as Housekeeping Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on June 9, 2026

Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar has announced the appointment of Narendra Singh as its new Housekeeping Manager. The appointment reflects the hotel’s continued focus on strengthening operational excellence and maintaining high standards of guest experience.

Narendra Singh brings more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked across several reputed luxury hotel brands in India. He began his career as a Guest Service Associate with Sewara Hospitality and gradually progressed into supervisory and managerial roles through consistent performance and operational expertise.

Over the years, he has held key positions at SUJAN Luxury Hotels and Six Senses Fort Barwara, where he served as Housekeeping Supervisor and Assistant Manager. Most recently, he was associated with The Leela Palace Jaipur as Housekeeping Manager, where he contributed to maintaining premium service standards and streamlined housekeeping operations.

In his new role at Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, Narendra Singh will be responsible for overseeing all housekeeping operations. His focus will be on ensuring the highest levels of cleanliness, hygiene, and guest satisfaction in line with Hyatt’s global brand standards.

Expressing his thoughts on the appointment, Narendra Singh said, “I have long admired Hyatt as a brand and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and uphold its values at Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar. I look forward to fostering meaningful experiences and creating lasting memories with the team.”

Known for his strong communication skills, integrity, and detail-oriented approach, Narendra is widely regarded for his operational discipline and commitment to excellence. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor camping, cooking, and exploring historical places, reflecting a balanced and dynamic personality.

The leadership team at Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar expressed confidence that his experience and passion will further strengthen the hotel’s housekeeping operations and enhance overall guest satisfaction.

About Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar:
Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar is a contemporary upscale hotel located in Jaipur’s key business district, offering easy access to Jaipur International Airport, World Trade Park, and major tourist attractions. Designed for modern travelers, the hotel features spacious rooms with separate living, working, and sleeping areas, along with all-day dining, a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and flexible meeting spaces. It caters to both business and leisure guests with seamless service and intuitive amenities.

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