Speaker Profile

Chef Apoorva Kunte is a culinary luminary known for his relentless pursuit of culinary excellence and boundless creativity. With a remarkable array of accolades and a trail of culinary triumphs, he has cemented his place as a distinguished figure in the world of gastronomy.

Apoorva’s journey to culinary stardom has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements. Notably, his recent recognition as one of the top 10 Chefs of the Year 2022-23 for Victoria State by Accommodation Australia or being named a Runner-up in the Marriott APEC Cage-Free Eggs
Challenge in 2023 where he showcased his commitment to sustainable practices and culinary innovation. His prowess in the culinary arts led to his appointment to the esteemed Marriott APEC Culinary Advisory Board for the year 2022-24, a testament to his remarkable contributions to the
field.

Acknowledged by industry experts and peers alike, Chef Apoorva’ s inclusion in the Power 25 Culinary List 2022-23 by Hotelier’s Web underscored his influence and impact on the culinary landscape. His Special Recognition Certificate in the Plant-Based Recipe Battle at Marriott APEC 2022 further highlighted his ingenuity, where he emerged as one of the top six contributors from a pool of 400 entrants.

Apoorva’s dedication to sustainability and innovation was exemplified through his Certificate of Achievement for Consistent Waste Tracking for Marriott's SERVE 360 Program APEC 2022. His journey has seen him traverse diverse culinary terrains across 3 continents, from collaborating
with Michelin-starred chefs to mastering various cuisines.

Notably, Chef Apoorva has been an instrumental part of renowned establishments such as The Ritz-Carlton, The Westin, and The Taj Mahal Hotel, where he has consistently elevated culinary standards and garnered awards while managing and cooking for VIP state events hosting prominent figures like the Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi, President George Bush, Un secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and cultural icons like Lady Gaga, George Clooney and Novak Djokovic.

An educator at heart, Apoorva has played a pivotal role as an Industry Student Assessor for Le Cordon Bleu, Australia, nurturing future culinary talents. His commitment to knowledge and growth led him to complete seven short management certificate courses from Torrens University, Australia, in 2020, enhancing his leadership acumen.

As an Executive Chef at The Westin, Melbourne, Australia, Apoorva continues to demonstrate his culinary finesse, leading a dedicated team and crafting exceptional experiences for guests. His legacy as a Silver Medalist, an innovative leader, and an esteemed educator is a testament to his
unwavering commitment to pushing culinary boundaries and inspiring the next generation of culinary professionals.