Sayaji Hotel Vadodara Appoints New Executive Chef to Lead Culinary Operations

Vadodara: With a distinguished culinary career spanning over 27 years, Chef Mahtab Ansari has taken over as the Executive Chef at Sayaji Hotel Vadodara, effective 12th June 2025.

Chef Ansari’s journey in the world of food began in Delhi as a trainee, and since then, he has built a strong reputation across the hospitality industry in both India and abroad. Known for his expertise and specialisation in European and International cuisine, he has consistently brought creativity, precision, and a deep respect for culinary traditions to every kitchen he has led.

His career started with a significant tenure at La Auberge, a fine French restaurant in the UK, where his finesse with classic techniques and modern flavours was widely appreciated. His career includes key milestones such as playing a key role in the pre-opening of Planet Hollywood in Dubai, working with the globally renowned Celebrity Cruise Line, and contributing massively to the launch of the InterContinental Hotel, JW Marriott Hotels, also worked with the Oakwood Premier Apartments, Choice Hotels in Mumbai and Centrepoint Hotels in Nagpur to name a few. 

Prior to joining Sayaji Hotel Vadodara, Chef Ansari held multiple short term assignments like hotels and restaurants in India and abroad, where he led diverse teams and delivered refined dining experiences across a range of cuisines. 

At Sayaji Hotel Vadodara, he is set to bring his international exposure and culinary artistry to redefine the hotel’s food and beverage offerings, with a focus on quality, technique, and heartfelt service.

"After nearly three decades in the industry, my philosophy remains simple — respect the ingredient, master the technique, and serve with heart."
— Mahtab Ansari, Executive Chef, Sayaji Hotel Vadodara

With his appointment, Sayaji Hotel Vadodara looks forward to ushering in a new era of inspired menus and memorable dining experiences for its guests.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune Announces the Elevation of Bhushan Sawant as Executive Chef

Pune, June 2025 – The Ritz-Carlton, Pune proudly announces the elevation of Bhushan Sawant to Executive Chef, a strategic leadership role that reflects his exceptional contributions, consistent performance, and culinary mastery over the past five years at the hotel. Bhushan’s promotion further reinforces the brand’s commitment to recognizing internal talent and driving excellence across all touchpoints of the guest dining experience.

With over 22 years of global culinary experience, Bhushan has cultivated a rich expertise in luxury hospitality, having worked with prestigious brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, JW Marriott, Rosewood Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Oberoi Hotels. His specialization spans all-day dining, fine dining, Garde Manger, and large-scale banquets, with a strong focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.

Since joining The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Bhushan has played a pivotal role in elevating the hotel's culinary reputation through award-winning outlets such as Ukiyo, Aasmana, Alta Vida and its renowned banquet experiences. Under his leadership, the hotel has received numerous accolades—ranking among the Top 5 in F&B across APEC and achieving standout guest satisfaction scores (ITR), while exceeding fiscal targets by a 16% surplus in FY 2024.

In his new role, Bhushan will lead a team of 87 chefs, continuing to innovate menus, drive sustainability initiatives, and deliver refined, personalized dining experiences that reflect the ethos of The Ritz-Carlton. His passion for regional Indian cuisine, guest-centric philosophy, and deep understanding of global culinary trends will further enhance the hotel’s food and beverage narrative.

A firm believer in mentorship and team development, Bhushan’s leadership style combines operational rigour with creative exploration. His ability to blend authenticity with modern techniques has positioned him as a driving force behind the hotel’s culinary journey.

Outside the kitchen, Bhushan enjoys driving and exploring new places. His grounded approach to leadership and love for food storytelling make him a remarkable asset to The Ritz-Carlton, Pune.