DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji Promotes Ritesh Raje to Executive Chef

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji has announced the promotion of Ritesh Raje as its new Executive Chef. Bringing over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Raje offers a rich culinary pedigree honed through his work with renowned global hotel brands.

A graduate of IHM Mumbai and PIC-3 certified by the Dubai Municipality, Chef Ritesh has previously worked with prestigious properties including The Taj Mahal Palace, Shangri-La Hotels, Hyatt Pune, and Sheraton Grand Pune. His core strengths lie in banquet operations, restaurant management, menu curation, and team leadership.

“This elevation is both an honour and a responsibility,” said Chef Ritesh Raje. “My focus will be on deepening our culinary identity infusing local flavours with global techniques while nurturing a kitchen culture that values skill, respect, and innovation. Goa’s bounty is inspiring, and I’m excited to reimagine how we serve it to our guests.” 

Notably, during his tenure with Shangri-La, Chef Ritesh played a pivotal role in the launch of culinary operations at a new property. He is highly regarded for his ability to strike a balance between innovation and consistency, along with his meticulous attention to detail and collaborative leadership style.

Welcoming this elevation, Harshad Nalawade, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji, remarked, “Chef Ritesh has consistently displayed a deep understanding of not just culinary execution, but also the emotional intelligence required to lead a diverse team in a high performance environment. He brings a rare combination of operational excellence, strategic thinking, and hands on passion for the art of cooking. His elevation reflects our belief in homegrown leadership and our commitment to delivering thoughtful, innovative and unforgettable culinary experiences to every guest who dines with us.”