Decoding Growth Through Vision, Velocity, and Values
KETAN DAVE
CEO
CnerG Foods Ltd.
Ketan Dave doesn’t just bring experience—he brings evolution. With a dynamic career that spans the high seas of luxury cruising to the fast lanes of quick-service dining and retail, Ketan’s leadership philosophy is rooted in adaptation, people-centricity, and strategic reinvention. He began his journey orchestrating complex food and beverage operations aboard Royal Caribbean, where precision met hospitality at scale. At McDonald’s, he learned to harmonise consistency and cultural nuance across Asia’s diverse markets. At ITC Limited, he led brand expansion and operational leadership, sharpening his eye for detail and growth. At Balaji Agora Mall, he turned consumer behavior into opportunity, blending marketing insight with operational execution. Today, as CEO of CnerG Foods Ltd., Ketan channels every lesson from these chapters into a single mission: building a food enterprise that’s agile, scalable, and deeply rooted in consumer understanding. In this TradeFlock exclusive, we explore the mind and momentum behind his leadership—and how it’s redefining the industry’s future.
A business only grows as fast as its leader evolves—and the best leaders carry their lessons like luggage, not baggage.
What’s been your core leadership principle across hospitality, retail, and food industries?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned leading in hospitality, retail, and food — it’s that everything begins and ends with people. Customers, teams, and the energy that flows between them. I lead with a customer-first mindset, always asking: Does this improve their experience? At the same time, I know frontline teams are the heartbeat of these industries, so I invest in training, culture, and support — because when they feel empowered, it shows. Operations matter too, so I stay close to the details — schedules, inventory, compliance — all while keeping an eye on efficiency and consistency. At the core, I lead with emotional intelligence — listening actively, communicating openly, and building trust. I don’t just manage tasks; I lead people. “Leadership in these industries demands heart, hustle, and a deep connection to both people and performance.” – Ketan Dave, CEO, CnerG Foods Ltd.
What lessons from McDonald’s and ITC are helping you scale CnerG Foods?
CnerG isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a story of flavor, culture, and care. And I’m scaling it with lessons rooted in my journey. From McDonald’s, I learned to be relentless about consistency. From ITC, training people who carry your brand’s spirit is important. Success means growing without losing the essence that made your first outlet special. That’s why we standardise recipes but never the warmth — because what makes us different is what makes us worth scaling.
What’s a non-business habit that fuels your creativity as a leader?
Some of my best business ideas haven’t come from strategy meetings — they’ve come from street food stalls and quiet corners of local kitchens. I love to travel and explore food cultures. It keeps me curious and tuned into the little things — how a dish is plated, how a story is told, how warmth is served with a meal. It grounds me in real-world experiences, reminding me who I’m building for. That habit keeps me creative, connected, and constantly bringing fresh, authentic energy into the business.
What’s been your toughest leadership challenge while scaling brands?
Scaling is exciting, but it’s also where your leadership gets tested. I realised early on that success isn’t just about opening more locations or expanding globally — it’s about doing it without losing what made you special. Whether I was at ITC, McDonald’s, Royal Caribbean, or Agora Mall, the toughest part was maintaining consistency across people, places, and cultures. I couldn’t be everywhere, so I had to build systems that could, and more importantly, leaders who could. Success means scaling without losing soul — staying people-focused, detail-driven, and committed to excellence at every level. That mindset helped me lead global teams, train with purpose, and deliver the same standard whether it was a burger in Mumbai or fine dining on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean.
How are you building a distinct brand for CnerG Foods in a crowded market?
In a market full of sameness, I knew our strength would come from going deeper — highlighting the lesser-known gems of South Indian cuisine, not just the usual crowd favorites. We built a brand rooted in culture, memory, and emotion — something that makes people feel as much as they taste. We host Onam feasts, curate filter coffee workshops, and design spaces that reflect our heritage. We use tech where it adds ease, but never at the cost of warmth. The goal was to stay authentic, memorable, and scalable — by balancing consistency with soul. That’s how we’re not just standing out — we’re standing for something.
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