Shaikh Shamim Rahaman
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman is an Indian Executive Chef and Culinary Director based in Kolkata, West Bengal, with over 26 years of international culinary leadership experience. He has built his career across India, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, working with established hospitality brands including Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Hindustan International and Sterling Resorts.
His professional expertise includes culinary leadership, kitchen management, menu development, food cost control, food safety, HACCP compliance, quality assurance, team development and large-scale catering operations. He has experience managing high-volume five-star culinary operations serving up to 3,000 guests.
Education
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman holds a Diploma in Hotel Management from the Institute of Advanced Management (IAM), Kolkata. The programme was approved by the Training Centre of the Confederation of Tourism, Hotel & Catering Management, United Kingdom.
He also completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Calcutta University, Kolkata, India.
Career
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman began his professional culinary career with a Cook General apprenticeship at Hotel Hindustan International, Kolkata, from 1993 to 1994.
He subsequently progressed through Commis Chef positions at Hilton Hotel in Saudi Arabia and Crowne Plaza Hotel in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. These roles provided him with experience in international hotel kitchens, food production and multicultural hospitality operations.
From 2013 to 2015, he served as Senior Sous Chef at Mövenpick Hotel. In this position, he directed Central Kitchen operations supporting six outlets at a 323-room five-star property. He was also involved in banqueting operations serving approximately 1,000 to 3,000 guests.
From April 2015 to December 2024, he served as Executive Sous Chef at Mövenpick Hotel. He deputized for the Executive Chef and was responsible for kitchen operations, menu engineering, food cost control and culinary administration.
From 2017 onwards, he also held the position of Executive Chef at Mövenpick Hotel. His responsibilities included attending daily General Manager briefings, overseeing culinary operations, managing kitchen personnel, maintaining HACCP standards and developing menus to support operational excellence.
As of May 2025, Shaikh Shamim Rahaman serves as Culinary Director at Wifry Connection Pvt. Ltd. In this role, he is responsible for strategic planning and leadership of culinary operations across the Hotels, Restaurants & Catering Group.
His responsibilities include culinary strategy, menu engineering, quality assurance, financial management, food cost control, operational planning and talent development.
Culinary Expertise
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman has expertise in Western and Continental cuisine, supported by extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in Indian and international cuisines.
His core professional strengths include:
Culinary leadership Kitchen operations management Menu development Menu engineering Food cost control Food safety HACCP compliance Quality assurance Large-scale catering Multicultural team leadership Kitchen administration Talent development Guest satisfaction Operational efficiency Financial management
Achievements
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman received the Best Chef Award from Crowne Plaza Hotel for his culinary skill and leadership.
He was also part of the award-winning culinary team at Crowne Plaza Hotel that received the EMEA Hotel of the Year recognition in 2009.
He received Appreciation Certificates from Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kuwait, in 1999, and Hilton Hotel, Saudi Arabia, for his service and dedication.
Professional Experience
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman has more than 26 years of professional experience in luxury hotels, resorts and hospitality operations across India and the Middle East.
His professional experience includes:
Cook General apprenticeship at Hotel Hindustan International, Kolkata, from 1993 to 1994. Commis Chef experience at Hilton Hotel, Saudi Arabia. Commis Chef experience at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Senior Sous Chef at Mövenpick Hotel from 2013 to 2015. Executive Sous Chef at Mövenpick Hotel from April 2015 to December 2024. Executive Chef at Mövenpick Hotel from 2017 onwards. Culinary Director at Wifry Connection Pvt. Ltd. from May 2025.
His career has included responsibility for five-star culinary operations, central kitchen management, banquet operations, menu development, food cost control and culinary team leadership.
Food Safety and Quality Management
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman has professional experience in HACCP-based food safety practices and quality assurance.
Throughout his career, he has focused on maintaining food safety standards, kitchen hygiene, quality control and consistency in culinary production.
His responsibilities have included HACCP compliance, kitchen supervision, food cost management, quality assurance and maintaining operational standards across hospitality establishments.
Kitchen Operations Management
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman has experience managing high-volume culinary operations and central kitchen systems.
During his tenure as Senior Sous Chef at Mövenpick Hotel, he directed Central Kitchen operations supporting six outlets at a 323-room five-star property. His experience also includes managing banqueting operations for events serving approximately 1,000 to 3,000 guests.
His operational responsibilities have included kitchen administration, staff coordination, food production planning, menu engineering, inventory and food cost control, quality assurance and service coordination.
Leadership
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman has held senior culinary leadership positions throughout his career.
As Executive Chef, he was responsible for overseeing culinary operations, managing kitchen teams, maintaining food safety standards and coordinating with hotel management.
As Culinary Director at Wifry Connection Pvt. Ltd., he is responsible for strategic culinary planning and leadership across the Hotels, Restaurants & Catering Group. His responsibilities include menu engineering, quality assurance, financial management, operational planning and talent development.
He has experience leading multicultural culinary teams and developing kitchen personnel in international hospitality environments.
International Experience
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman has gained professional hospitality experience in India, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
His international career includes associations with Hilton, Crowne Plaza and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
His work across these markets has provided experience in international hospitality standards, multicultural team management, five-star hotel operations, large-scale food production and high-volume catering.
Hospitality Operations
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman has worked across luxury hotels, resorts and hospitality operations throughout his career.
His experience includes:
Five-star hotel culinary operations Central kitchen management Restaurant operations Banqueting Large-scale catering Menu engineering Food cost control Kitchen administration Food safety management Culinary staff development Quality assurance Guest satisfaction
His experience has enabled him to manage culinary operations while maintaining standards of quality, efficiency and food safety.
Professional Approach
Shaikh Shamim Rahaman's professional approach emphasizes culinary quality, operational efficiency, innovation, food safety and team development.
He has focused on maintaining high standards of culinary production while managing costs, developing menus, improving kitchen operations and meeting guest expectations.
His professional background combines culinary expertise with administrative and strategic responsibilities in hospitality management.
Current Role
As of May 2025, Shaikh Shamim Rahaman serves as Culinary Director at Wifry Connection Pvt. Ltd.
His current responsibilities include strategic planning and leadership of culinary operations across the Hotels, Restaurants & Catering Group. His role covers menu engineering, quality assurance, financial management, operational planning and talent development.