The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas announces the appointment of Vivek Pandey as its new Director of Food & Beverage. With over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality across leading Hyatt and Marriott properties in India, Vivek brings a well-rounded expertise in restaurant leadership, large-scale events, and guest-centric food and beverage operations.
Vivek began his hospitality journey at Hyatt Regency Kolkata, where he spent nearly a decade honing his skills across events and operations. He subsequently strengthened his culinary and service leadership experience at Park Hyatt Goa and Grand Hyatt Mumbai, before taking on larger operational responsibilities as Event Operations Manager at Hyatt Regency Dehradun. He later served as Banquet Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai, managing high-profile events and complex banquet operations. Most recently, he held the position of Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Regency Dehradun, where he played a key role in driving culinary innovation, service excellence, and team development.
Among his notable achievements, Vivek led Beyul at Hyatt Regency Dehradun to significant national recognition. Under his leadership, the outlet was ranked among India’s Top 25 Cocktail Bars and featured in NDTV Good Food’s Top 25 Hotel Restaurants, in addition to being recognised as No. 1 in F&B Experience, a reflection of its strong culinary identity, elevated service standards, and consistent guest appeal.
In his new role at The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, Vivek will focus on enhancing the resort’s Unique Dining Experiences (UDEs) through refined concepts, compelling storytelling, and thoughtfully curated guest journeys. His priorities also include building a strong non-resident dining strategy to position the resort’s restaurants and bars as preferred destinations for local patrons, while fostering a culture that prioritises associate wellbeing, engagement, and long-term growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Vivek Pandey, Director of Food & Beverage, The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas said, “The Westin Himalayas is a truly distinctive destination, seamlessly blending wellness, nature, and elevated hospitality. I am excited to be part of a property that has already set strong benchmarks in experiential luxury. I look forward to working closely with the team to further enhance our culinary offerings, create meaningful dining experiences, and contribute to the resort’s continued evolution as a leading destination for wellbeing-driven hospitality.”
Known for his collaborative and people-first leadership style, Vivek believes in leading from within the team, encouraging open communication, accountability, and shared ownership. His approach centres on inspiring teams through trust, empathy, and hands-on guidance, ensuring both guests and associates feel valued at every touchpoint.
Welcoming the appointment, Chinmaya Chikkamath, General Manager, The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, said, “Food and beverage is a core pillar of the guest journey at The Westin Himalayas, and Vivek’s depth of experience, creative vision, and people-focused leadership make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. His strong understanding of destination dining, combined with his commitment to innovation and team wellbeing, will play a key role in further strengthening our culinary offerings and elevating the overall resort experience.”
With this appointment, The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, reinforces its commitment to strengthening its food and beverage identity through innovation, authenticity, and thoughtful service. Vivek’s vision and experience are set to further elevate the resort’s culinary positioning, creating memorable dining moments that align with the brand’s philosophy of wellbeing and mindful living.
