Manoj Padmanaban has been appointed as the Executive Chef at ITC Windsor, marking a renewed culinary chapter at one of the city’s most iconic luxury addresses. With over 15 years of experience across luxury hospitality and fine dining, Chef Manoj brings a thoughtful blend of classical technique, operational depth, and contemporary creativity to the role.
A journey shaped within luxury hospitality
A seasoned professional within the ITC Hotels ecosystem, Chef Manoj has contributed to diverse culinary journeys across marquee properties including ITC Windsor, ITC Kohenur, ITC Gardenia, and The Leela Palace Bengaluru. His career progression reflects a steady rise through leadership roles such as Assistant Master Chef and Senior Sous Chef, where he managed complex culinary operations across all-day dining, specialty restaurants, in-room dining, and large-scale banqueting.
Academic grounding and culinary philosophy
Chef Manoj holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Bangalore University and is known for his strong foundation in food safety, modern culinary practices, and team-led excellence. His culinary philosophy centres on seasonality, precision, and refined presentation—an approach designed to resonate with evolving guest expectations while respecting the legacy of the institutions he represents.
Leading culinary operations at ITC Windsor
In his new role, Chef Manoj will oversee all culinary operations at ITC Windsor. His focus will include menu innovation, consistency in execution, and the continual elevation of dining experiences across the hotel’s restaurants and banqueting spaces, ensuring that every offering reflects both quality and character.
Reflections on the new role
Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, 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.”
A leadership welcome
Welcoming him to the role, Sabrina Dey, General Manager, ITC Windsor, said,
“Chef Manoj brings with him a rare combination of culinary finesse, leadership maturity, and operational strength. We are confident that his vision and dedication will further strengthen our culinary identity and continue to delight our guests.”
