ITC Windsor Names Manoj Padmanaban Executive Chef to Lead Culinary Vision

ITC Windsor has appointed Manoj Padmanaban as its new Executive Chef, marking a strategic leadership update in the culinary operations of the iconic Bengaluru heritage hotel.

With more than 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality and fine dining, Chef Padmanaban brings a blend of classical technique, operational depth, and contemporary creativity to his new role. His deep understanding of large-scale kitchen operations is expected to reinforce ITC Windsor’s culinary standards. 

A seasoned professional within the ITC Hotels ecosystem, Chef Padmanaban has worked across several marquee properties including ITC Windsor, ITC Kohenur, and ITC Gardenia, and has also contributed his expertise at The Leela Palace Bengaluru. Over the years, he has held leadership roles such as Assistant Master Chef and Senior Sous Chef, managing complex culinary formats from all-day dining to specialty outlets, in-room dining, and high-volume banqueting. 

Chef Padmanaban holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Bangalore University and is recognised for his strong grounding in food safety, modern culinary practices, and team-led kitchen excellence. His culinary philosophy emphasises seasonality, precision, and refined presentation, aligning with evolving guest preferences while upholding brand heritage. 

In his new role at ITC Windsor, Chef Padmanaban will oversee all culinary operations, with a mandate that includes menu innovation, consistency in execution, and the continual elevation of dining experiences across the hotel’s restaurants and banqueting spaces. 

Commenting on the appointment, Chef Manoj Padmanaban said, “ITC Windsor stands as a symbol of gracious hospitality and timeless elegance. It is a privilege to lead its kitchens, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to curate dining experiences that are authentic, memorable, and rooted in excellence.” 

Sabrina Dey, General Manager of ITC Windsor, welcomed the appointment, noting that Chef Padmanaban brings a rare combination of culinary finesse, leadership maturity, and operational strength that will further strengthen the hotel’s culinary identity and delight guests across dining formats.