Suriya Vikrant Sharma Named Pre-Opening Executive Chef at WelcomHotel ITC Mohali Chandigarh

Suriya Vikrant Sharma has been appointed as Pre-Opening Executive Chef at WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels Mohali Chandigarh, bringing over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality. In this role, he will lead culinary operations during the hotel’s pre-opening phase, focusing on kitchen planning, menu strategy, and operational readiness ahead of launch.

Appointment and Role Overview

At WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels Mohali Chandigarh, Sharma will be responsible for establishing the culinary framework for the property as it prepares for opening. His mandate includes overseeing food and beverage production systems, designing menus, and aligning the culinary direction with the brand’s positioning.

He will also lead the development of kitchen infrastructure, ensuring that all operational processes are in place prior to launch. The role requires coordination with multiple departments to support the hotel’s pre-opening timeline and ensure seamless execution of culinary operations.

Pre-Opening Responsibilities and Operational Focus

Sharma’s responsibilities include setting up kitchen operations, building and training culinary teams, and implementing service standards across all food and beverage outlets. He will focus on creating structured workflows that support consistency, efficiency, and quality in production.

In addition to operational setup, he will oversee menu development and culinary programming, ensuring offerings meet both brand standards and guest expectations. His role also involves managing cost controls, procurement processes, and maintaining compliance with food safety regulations.

The appointment reflects a focus on establishing a strong culinary foundation as part of the hotel’s overall pre-opening strategy.

Professional Background and Industry Experience

Sharma brings more than 15 years of experience in food and beverage production, with a career spanning luxury hospitality environments. He has worked with leading hotel brands including The Oberoi Group, ITC Maurya, JW Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton, where he gained experience in managing large-scale culinary operations.

His international exposure includes working in the Maldives with Atmosphere Core, where he contributed to high-end resort dining operations. Over the course of his career, he has developed expertise in handling diverse culinary environments and delivering guest-focused dining experiences.

He has also been involved in managing VIP banquets and large-format events, including high-profile international gatherings such as G20 and B20, reflecting his experience in large-scale event catering and execution.

Culinary Expertise and Technical Capabilities

Sharma’s core strengths include menu design, cost management, and the implementation of farm-to-table concepts. His approach combines innovation with operational discipline, ensuring that culinary offerings are both creative and commercially viable.

He holds certifications in food safety and hygiene, including ISO 22000 and HACCP, supporting his focus on compliance and quality assurance. In addition to operational expertise, he has been actively involved in team training and development, contributing to the growth of culinary teams across his previous roles.

His experience reflects a structured approach to culinary leadership, with emphasis on quality control, safety standards, and consistent service delivery.

Company Context and Current Status

The appointment of Sharma comes as WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels Mohali Chandigarh strengthens its leadership team during the pre-opening phase. Culinary operations are a critical component of the hotel’s positioning, particularly in delivering differentiated guest experiences across its food and beverage offerings.

By bringing in experienced leadership at this stage, the hotel aims to establish operational readiness and ensure alignment with brand standards ahead of its launch. Sharma has assumed his role and is currently leading the culinary setup as the property progresses through its pre-opening development phase.