Rishi Kapoor Director of Culinary | Executive Chef | Hospitality Leader,Director of Culinary – Hyatt Regency, Delhi NCR

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality and culinary sectors, Rishi Kapoor has earned a reputation as a strategic leader, innovative culinary artist, and operational expert in the food and beverage industry. Known for his unrelenting pursuit of excellence, Rishi has successfully led high-performing culinary teams and overseen large-scale kitchen operations across some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, both in India and internationally.

Rishi’s career is a reflection of his commitment to innovation, guest satisfaction, and cost management. From overseeing culinary operations at leading hospitality brands like Hyatt Regency, The LaLiT, Radisson Blu, and Marriott, to taking charge of pre-opening assignments, Rishi’s leadership style integrates cross-functional team management with a customer-centric approach. He has not only honed his expertise in managing day-to-day kitchen operations but also excelled at menu engineering, culinary product development, and kitchen standardization.

He is particularly known for his work in the Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, and Middle Eastern culinary domains, with a flair for designing menus that highlight the rich diversity of global cuisines while ensuring high standards of presentation, taste, and hygiene. His deep understanding of local markets and their food preferences allows him to provide guests with exceptional dining experiences, ensuring that each meal is prepared to perfection while also meeting the operational and cost-efficiency goals of the establishment.

Rishi is a true change agent in the hospitality sector, consistently introducing innovative ideas, streamlining processes, and maintaining a sharp focus on guest-centric service. His work reflects an intricate balance of culinary creativity with effective kitchen management practices. Over the years, he has developed a track record of transforming kitchen operations, achieving cost control, inventory optimization, and most importantly, guest satisfaction.

Key Competencies

Rishi’s expertise spans several areas of the hospitality industry, making him a well-rounded and versatile culinary leader. His key competencies include:

• Strategic Kitchen Management: Leading kitchen operations with a focus on efficiency, cost control, and innovation, ensuring high standards in food quality and hygiene.
• Culinary Product Development: Expertise in designing innovative and diverse menus that reflect the best of contemporary and traditional cuisines, meeting the dynamic preferences of guests.
• Modern Food Presentation: Ensuring that every dish presented to guests is not only of the highest culinary standard but also visually stunning, elevating the dining experience.
• Cross-Cultural Team Leadership: Proven ability to manage culturally diverse teams, fostering a collaborative and harmonious work environment, and ensuring that all team members are trained and motivated.
• Guest Experience Enhancement: Dedicated to understanding guests’ needs, offering tailored dining solutions, and ensuring exceptional experiences that lead to high levels of satisfaction.
• Project & Cost Management: Successfully overseeing large-scale projects such as pre-opening assignments, menu development, and budget management while keeping costs within the set parameters.
• Compliance & Audit Readiness (HACCP, ISO 22000): Maintaining food safety and hygiene practices in line with international standards and ensuring regular compliance with food safety audits.
• Training & Development: Passionate about mentoring and developing culinary teams, offering continuous training to help employees meet and exceed performance standards.

Career Journey and Notable Achievements

Rishi Kapoor’s career has been marked by steadfast growth and significant contributions to the hospitality industry. Over the years, he has managed some of the finest kitchens in the world, and his expertise has been sought after by leading hotels and resorts globally.

Director of Culinary – Hyatt Regency, Delhi NCR (Pre-Opening, 2024 – Present)

In his current role as Director of Culinary at Hyatt Regency, Rishi has been tasked with overseeing the entire culinary operation of the pre-opening property in Delhi NCR. As part of the pre-opening team, his responsibilities include developing innovative menus, sourcing ingredients, and building a high-performing culinary team. His leadership has played a critical role in shaping the property’s culinary offerings, ensuring they meet Hyatt’s brand standards while incorporating the diverse and rich culinary heritage of the region.

Executive Chef – The LaLiT Mumbai, Radisson Blu Ahmedabad, Sea Princess Mumbai

As Executive Chef at The LaLiT Mumbai, Radisson Blu Ahmedabad, and Sea Princess Mumbai, Rishi was instrumental in leading the culinary teams to create an unparalleled dining experience for guests. He meticulously managed daily kitchen operations, streamlined food production processes, and ensured consistent quality across all culinary offerings. His focus on wastage control, staff training, and menu innovation resulted in improved operational efficiencies, guest satisfaction, and recognition of these properties as culinary destinations.

Executive Chef (International) – Jewel of India, Sydney, Australia

Rishi’s experience as Executive Chef at Jewel of India in Sydney, Australia allowed him to explore international culinary trends while maintaining the authenticity of Indian cuisine. During his tenure, he was responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operation, including menu design, food production, and staff management. He successfully introduced new culinary concepts, enhancing the restaurant’s reputation as one of the top Indian dining destinations in Sydney.

Executive Sous Chef – Novotel Mumbai

As Executive Sous Chef at Novotel Mumbai, Rishi was responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in managing kitchen operations, ensuring the quality and consistency of food preparation, and contributing to the development of new menu items. He also worked on training kitchen staff, developing their culinary skills, and ensuring that they adhered to hygiene and safety standards.

Certifications & Professional Enhancements

Rishi’s commitment to excellence is evident in his continuous professional development. His certifications and accomplishments include:

• Hospitality Excellence Award (2016) for outstanding contributions to the culinary world.
• Executive Chef of the Year, recognizing his leadership in kitchen management and guest satisfaction.
• Certified Trainer for Food Safety (FSSAI), a testament to his dedication to maintaining the highest standards in food safety.
• HACCP & ISO 22000 Internal Auditor certification from Sai Global Ltd., ensuring compliance with food safety management systems.
• First Aid & CPR (Level 2) certified, demonstrating his commitment to the health and safety of both guests and staff.

Personal Philosophy and Leadership Style

Rishi Kapoor’s exceptional career trajectory is a reflection of his unwavering dedication to the culinary arts, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence. Whether he’s creating innovative menus, leading culinary teams, or ensuring the highest standards of food safety and presentation, Rishi consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. His ability to combine creativity with operational efficiency has earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of guests worldwide. As he continues to lead culinary teams and inspire the next generation of chefs, Rishi’s commitment to excellence remains steadfast and unyielding.

Recognition & Award

Throughout his illustrious career, Rishi has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions, underscoring his influence on the hospitality industry:

• Chef of the Year
• Best Restaurant (Times of India)
• Hospitality Excellence Award (2016)
• Executive Chef of the Year

These accolades reflect Rishi’s dedication to excellence and his ability to inspire and lead culinary teams to success.

Personal Philosophy: Quality Over All

For Rishi, food is a form of art, and every meal is an opportunity to create something special. His professional philosophy is rooted in the belief that quality always comes first, and every dish should reflect the care, craftsmanship, and creativity that goes into its preparation. Rishi’s approach to leadership is similarly dedicated to nurturing talent, encouraging creativity, and always striving for perfection.

Rishi Kapoor continues to lead and inspire through his visionary culinary leadership, striving to shape the future of the hospitality industry one dish at a time. His passion for food, innovation, and team development remains a cornerstone of his ongoing success, making him a respected figure among peers and guests alike.