Chef Jerson Fernandes, also known as Jerson Monterey Jack, a Guinness world record holder serves as the Director of culinary Operations for Sodexo India, showcasing unwavering passion for culinary excellence and innovation. From a humble dishwasher, he ascended to Executive Chef in just a decade, demonstrating resilience across diverse experiences—from P&O cruise liner to Taj Group of Hotels, Marriott-RITZ Carlton and Accor hotels. Before this role, he was the Director of Culinary for the iconic Novotel Juhu where he oversaw culinary alchemy operations for all Accor brands in India including Novotel, Sofitel, Fairmont etc.
An IHM-Hyderabad alumnus, Chef Jerson secured the 6th rank nationally. His accolades include the most coveted awards of the country in the gastronomic world viz; Hotelier India’s Executive Chef of the Year in 2021 and 2023 making him the only chef in the country to win it twice so far, BW Hotelier’s Executive Chef of the Year in 2022, and Accor South Asia Awards’ Best Executive Chef of the Year in 2021. Recognized by Food Connoisseurs and FBAI, he also received Best Executive Chef awards from Asia Food Congress and was awarded the most creative chef of India in 2019 and 2020 by the FHRAI. He was also felicitated by the Chief minister of Goa and the mayor of Mumbai for his culinary contributions to the states of Maharashtra and Goa for promoting sustainable cooking and best practices to prevent food wastages.
A member of prestigious world culinary associations, Chef Jerson is influential on social media, earning the title of India’s most influential chef in 2022 by the Times Group. Having cooked for top Indian celebrities, he stands as the country’s most celebrated Executive Chef, emphasizing teamwork and considering his team his greatest asset. Passionate about delivering experiences through food, Chef Jerson celebrates simplicity in global cuisines and remains a dedicated foodie. An ardent Bandra boy who loves travelling and visiting unexplored destinations to learn about their culture, cuisine and history. He believes in not just serving food but an experience in itself. An ambassador of zero food waste and a promoter of sustainable cooking, Chef Jerson aims to making this world a zero food waste world.
