CHETAN PANGAM
Wellington,New Zealand
Summary
Passionate and innovative Executive Chef with a rich culinary background spanning over 20 years. Inspired by my heritage and a commitment to excellence, I bring a dynamic approach to hospitality and food & beverage management. My mum is my cooking inspiration. A lot of my cooking showcases my Indian Heritage with French influences and local New Zealand produce. I bring a dynamic approach to hospitality and food.
I have worked on projects within the company from the preopening of the Copthorne Hotel Oriental Parade and other new restaurant concepts for the company.
I have strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with ability to quickly adapt to new environments. I am eager to contribute to team success and further develop my professional skills. I bring positive attitude and commitment to continuously learn and grow.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef/F&B Manager
Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay
01.2011 - Current
- Oversee culinary operations, restaurant management and hotel dining services.
- Implement innovative seasonal menus with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
- Lead a team of chefs and front-of-house staff to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
- Roster management, P&L forecasting, marketing & recruitment.
- Part of the Leadership team for national procurement and contracts.
- Guest Chef for meat industry awards 2024 at Takina convention centre.
Copthorne Hotel Executive Chef
Palmerston North
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Spearheaded kitchen operations, ensuring high culinary standards and guest satisfaction.
- Managed cost control, procurement, and supplier relationships.
- Led the hotel to receive multiple industry awards for culinary excellence.
- Food stuffs gala dinners 600-1000packs, catered multiple years
Sous Chef
Millennium Hotels & Resorts (Kingsgate Hotel Hamilton)
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Assisted in menu development and kitchen management
Chef de Partie/Junior Sous Chef
The Heritage Hotel
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Developed expertise in high-volume kitchens
- Played a key role in refining contemporary New Zealand cuisine
Consultant Chef
British High Commission
2016-current
Luxury Hotel Experiences
In India
- The Oberoi Bangalore
- Taj West End Bangalore
- Windsor Manor Sheraton Bangalore
- The Leela Kempinski Mumbai
- The Radisson Hotel New Delhi
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Hotel Management
KLE
BangaloreLCQ Certificate
Certified First Aider
Awards Accolades & Recognitions
- NZ Beef and lamb Ambassador chef 2024-2025
- Cuisine Magazine top 250 restaurants in NZ
- Winner Visa Wellington on a plate Burger Wellington 2024
- Winner Visa Wellington on a plate Burger Wellington 2023
- Ora King Ambassador chef New Zealand – 2024-2023-2022-2021-2020
- Guest chef for Te Omanga Hospice for multiple years, 400packs lunch
- New Zealand Chefs Association Member 2005 - 2020
- Ora King Salmon Best Dish New Zealand Finalist- 2019
- Ora King salmon Ambassador chef New Zealand – 2016
- Ora King Next Generation Mentor New Zealand 2016
- Finalist New Zealand Vegetarian Dish 2016 (Fine Dining category)
- Finalist Ora King Ambassador New Zealand 2015
- Finalist Best Ora King Dish New Zealand 2015
- Finalist Best Ora King dish New Zealand 2014
- Winner Meadows Capital Grande entrée 2013
- Winner spirit of Monteiths Wild Food Challenge 2014
- Manawatu hospitality awards winner –chef of the year 2008/2009
- Manawatu hospitality awards Finalist- hospitality personality of the year
- Manawatu hospitality awards Finalist – Restaurant of the year (Zoes at the Kingsgate)
- Beef & lamb hallmark of Excellence Award 2006/2007/2008/2009/2010/2011/2012/2013/2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020
Industry Leadership, Judging Roles
- Advisory Board Chair, Le Cordon Bleu Wellington - Ongoing
- Advisory board member – Weltec Polytechnic – Ongoing
- Judge, Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Competition 2016 - 2019
- Judge, Nestlé Toque d’Or Competition 2016/ 2017/2018/2019
- Judge, Manawatu Hospitality Awards
- President, NZ Chefs Association Wellington 2015 - 2020
References
Kenneth Orr
Vice President Operations
Millenium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Limited
+64275876768
Ken.Orr@millenniumhotels.co.nz
Nick Lion
General Manager
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
+64275800868
Nick.Lion@millenniumhotels.co.nz
Anthony Porter
Key Account Manager
New Zealand King Salmon
+64277050085
Anthony.Porter@kingsalmon.co.nz
Timeline
Executive Chef/F&B Manager
Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay
01.2011 - Current
Copthorne Hotel Executive Chef
Palmerston North
01.2006 - 01.2011
Sous Chef
Millennium Hotels & Resorts (Kingsgate Hotel Hamilton)
01.2005 - 01.2006
Chef de Partie/Junior Sous Chef
The Heritage Hotel
01.2002 - 01.2005
Consultant Chef
British High Commission
Luxury Hotel Experiences
In India
Bachelor's Degree - Hotel Management
KLE
LCQ Certificate
Certified First Aider
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