Meet Our Faculty & Mentors
Learning at Lexicon HMCT is shaped by accomplished academic scholars and experienced industry practitioners who bring knowledge, insight, and practical perspectives into the classroom.
Chef Harshal Kamble
HOD - Food Production
With an impressive 14-year journey spanning both the hospitality industry and academia, Chef Harshal Kamble has carved a niche as a dedicated educator and culinary expert. His academic pursuits are backed by advanced certifications in catering and food safety from FSSAI India, and his passion for research is reflected in numerous published papers that contribute to the evolving landscape of hospitality education.
Chef Harshal is deeply committed to academic excellence, blending hands-on industry experience with a research-driven approach to teaching. His goal is to inspire and empower students to become well- rounded hospitality professionals—equipped with knowledge, discipline, and a drive for innovation.
Utkarsh Suryawanshi
Assistant Professor – F&B Service
Mr. Utkarsh Suryawanshi is a dedicated hospitality academician and industry professional with extensive experience in teaching and hotel operations.
He has developed strong expertise in Food & Beverage Service and hotel operations, bringing valuable practical insights into the academic environment.
He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Hotel Management from Savitribai Phule Pune University, with a focus on research, innovation, and academic excellence.
As Assistant Professor – F&B Service, he focuses on delivering industry-oriented learning and enhancing students’ practical and professional competencies. His academic interests include Food & Beverage Service and emerging trends in the hospitality industry, with a strong commitment to shaping future hospitality professionals.
Arun M. Deokar
Assistant Professor – Food Production
Arun M. Deokar is an experienced hospitality academician and industry professional with over 14 years of teaching experience and 2 years of industry exposure. He holds strong expertise in culinary arts, bakery & confectionery, and tourism, combining academic depth with practical industry knowledge.
He is a certified Lead Auditor for ISO 22000:2018 and HACCP, a Master Trainer in Bakery & Confectionery, and an approved faculty member for reputed institutions.
At Lexicon MILE – Department of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, he focuses on delivering skill-oriented training with a strong emphasis on practical learning, student development, and academic excellence.
With extensive experience in food production, training, and curriculum development, he is dedicated to nurturing talent and contributing to the advancement of the hospitality industry.
Mr. Sanket Khode
Assistant Professor – Food and Beverage Service
Mr. Sanket Khode is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of extensive industry and academic experience. He has worked with Grand Sheraton, Pune, where he developed strong expertise in Food & Beverage operations and service excellence.
He gained significant international exposure during his tenure with P&O Cruises, Carnival UK, a leading British cruise line company, where he served for 8 years and completed three world cruises.
His academic experience spans IIBM College, Chikhali (Pune), Swami Vivekanand Mahavidyalaya, Deolapar, and Tuli College of Hotel Management. He has also taught programs affiliated with TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth (TMV), Kavi Kulguru Kalidas University (KKSU), Ramtek, and Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU).
He focuses on delivering industry-oriented learning at Lexicon MILE – Department of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, with a strong emphasis on practical knowledge, service excellence, and student development, preparing students to become confident Day Zero Professionals.
With his extensive experience, he remains committed to shaping skilled and confident hospitality professionals.