Shailesh Shekhar Joins Lyfe Hotels as Executive Chef

Shailesh Shekhar Joins Lyfe Hotels as Executive Chef

By Author

Published on February 16, 2024

Lyfe Hotels proudly welcomes Mr. Shailesh Shekhar as their Executive Chef, marking a significant addition to their culinary team. With over two decades of experience in the Indian hospitality sector, Chef Shailesh brings a wealth of expertise to Lyfe Hotels.

In his role, Chef Shailesh will oversee food production and manage guest relations, playing a vital role in crafting memorable dining experiences for guests. His responsibilities include designing menus, training chefs, implementing cost control measures, ensuring food safety, and maintaining top-notch guest relations.

Chef Shailesh's culinary journey is illustrious, having served as the Head of Food & Beverage at Cadila, a premium pharmaceutical company. His remarkable career also includes key roles at esteemed hospitality brands like Radisson Blu, Sheraton, LEBUA, Taj Mahal Palace, and The Taj Lake Palace. His culinary prowess has earned him recognition as one of India's top chefs.

Ms. Sonal Sahoo, Director and Promoter of Lyfe Hotels, expressed enthusiasm for Chef Shailesh's appointment: “I congratulate Shailesh for his new role as Executive Chef at Lyfe Hotels, Bhubaneswar. We welcome him with enthusiasm and eagerly look forward to the distinctive culinary experiences he will craft for our guests. With his wealth of hospitality experience, dedication to culinary excellence, and commitment to guest satisfaction, we are confident that Shailesh and his team will create memorable dining experiences for our valued guests.”

Excited about his new role, Chef Shailesh looks forward to celebrating local flavors and culinary innovation at Lyfe Hotels. With his dynamic cooking style and extensive experience, he aims to elevate Lyfe Hotel’s culinary offerings to new heights.

With Chef Shailesh’s appointment, Lyfe Hotels reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences, setting the stage for an exciting culinary journey ahead.


The St. Regis Goa Resort Welcomes Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto

The St. Regis Goa Resort Welcomes Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

The St. Regis Goa Resort, the premier luxury destination on South Goa’s pristine coast, is delighted to announce the appointment of celebrated Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto, the resort’s signature Italian restaurant.

Chef Roberto, a native of Sardinia, brings an impressive international background with leadership roles across renowned hotel brands worldwide. In his new role, he will oversee the complete culinary experience at Oliveto, infusing authentic Italian flavors with his refined techniques to create an elevated gastronomic journey for guests.

“With Chef Roberto joining Oliveto, we are excited to offer an enhanced Italian dining experience that reflects the finest in craftsmanship and authenticity,” said a spokesperson from The St. Regis Goa Resort.

Guests at Oliveto can now look forward to innovative menus, classic Italian preparations, and a luxurious dining ambiance designed to transport diners to the heart of Italy while enjoying the breathtaking coastal views of South Goa.

This appointment underscores The St. Regis Goa Resort’s commitment to exceptional culinary experiences as part of its world-class hospitality offerings.


Sofitel Mumbai BKC Appoints Ayodhya Tiwari as Director of Revenue

Sofitel Mumbai BKC Appoints Ayodhya Tiwari as Director of Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 19, 2025

Sofitel Mumbai BKC has announced the appointment of Mr. Ayodhya Tiwari as its Director of Revenue, further strengthening the hotel’s leadership team. With over thirteen years of experience across some of India’s most respected luxury and upscale hospitality brands, he brings a strong blend of strategic thinking, analytical expertise, and consistent revenue-driven performance.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Tiwari has built deep expertise across Revenue Management, Reservations, and Distribution, supported by a solid foundation in commercial operations and market optimisation. He has previously worked with renowned hospitality brands including Novotel, Hyatt Regency, Pride Plaza, and The Leela, contributing to several landmark properties and high-performing portfolios.

In his most recent role, he led revenue strategy for multi-property operations, delivering record occupancy levels and sustained RevPAR growth. Across his earlier assignments, he has played a key role in strengthening digital performance, enhancing market positioning, and supporting hotel openings and operational transitions, establishing a strong track record of sound commercial judgement and revenue-first thinking.

In his new role at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Mr. Tiwari will be responsible for leading the hotel’s revenue strategy through a forward-looking and data-driven approach. His focus will include dynamic pricing, refined distribution strategies, and strengthening market share across all business segments, while supporting the hotel’s long-term growth objectives. His ability to anticipate trends, optimise multi-segment demand, and drive a profitable business mix is expected to further enhance the property’s standing in Mumbai’s luxury hospitality market.

Known as a collaborative leader with strong interpersonal skills and a solutions-oriented mindset, Mr. Tiwari brings a commitment to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of excellence. His experience across diverse markets and his adaptability to evolving industry dynamics have shaped him into a results-driven professional with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Speaking about his appointment, Ayodhya Tiwari shared, “I am honoured to join Sofitel Mumbai BKC and look forward to deepening my understanding of the hotel’s distinctive positioning and operational strengths. In my role as Director of Revenue, I am committed to advancing the property’s commercial performance by driving strategic revenue initiatives, strengthening promotional effectiveness, and optimising business mix across segments. I look forward to working closely with the team to deliver meaningful and sustainable results.”


Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints David Eldridge as Executive Chef

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints David Eldridge as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on December 18, 2025

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic luxury landmark in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, has announced the appointment of David Eldridge as its new Executive Chef, as the historic property continues to enhance its fine-dining and culinary offerings.

A South African national, Chef David brings over 20 years of international luxury hospitality experience, having worked across eight countries, including the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, Tanzania, the UAE, Qatar, Seychelles and South Africa. Prior to joining Raffles Hotel Le Royal, he served as Director of Food, Beverage & Culinary at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.

image

His career includes senior culinary leadership roles with some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands, including Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Kempinski Hotels, and The Luxury Collection by Marriott, giving him a strong foundation in both destination dining and refined hotel gastronomy.

At Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Chef David will oversee the hotel’s celebrated dining venues, including Restaurant Le Royal, known for its elevated Khmer fine-dining experience, and Le Phnom 1929, a classic French-style brasserie that draws inspiration from the hotel’s colonial heritage.

Welcoming the appointment, Dagmar Lyons, General Manager, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef David and his wealth of culinary expertise to Raffles Hotel Le Royal. His vision and talents will help us continue to deliver the finest dining experiences in Cambodia and the region to both hotel guests and the local community.”

Originally opened in 1929, Raffles Hotel Le Royal features 175 rooms and suites, restored in 2019 to seamlessly blend modern comfort with French colonial elegance, Khmer influences, and Art Deco design. Chef David’s appointment aligns with the hotel’s commitment to preserving heritage while evolving its contemporary dining narrative.

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.