Gymkhana appoints Chet Sharma as global culinary director

Gymkhana, the two Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant, has appointed Chet Sharma as global culinary director, as he still withholds his role as a founder and chef patron of his award-winning restaurant Bibi.

Sharma has been working alongside JKS Restaurants, the acclaimed hospitality group based in London for over a decade. Beginning as group development chef, he helped shape the culinary direction of several JKS brands including Gymkhana, as well as remaining a large contributor towards the launch of Bibi in 2021.

Following the steady progression of Bibi over the last five years, Sharma has described the appointment as a “homecoming”.

He said: “It’s a return to the place that – especially in the early days – educated my Indian palate more than anywhere else.

“As we step into this new chapter, I’m proud to be working alongside the talented and established teams across Gymkhana. I’m grateful for the support and trust placed in me by Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi to lead two such incredible restaurants.”

Sharma will oversee Gymkhana London, in addition to its presence in global regions including North America and the Middle East, as well as leading its executive and head chef teams. He will also continue his role as founder and chef patron of his award-winning restaurant BiBi alongside the position, with it still remaining a primary focus.

He added: “I look forward to nurturing and overseeing the growth of my amazing team at BiBi who really deserve all the credit for the restaurant’s success.”

Co-founder of JKS Restaurants, Karam Sethi, emphasised Sharma’s “integral role” in JKS and credited his understanding of Gymkhana, as well as the belief in his leadership and vision to lead the brand globally.