JKS Restaurants, the London-based hospitality group founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi, has announced the appointment of Pavan Pardasani to Global Chief Executive Officer of JKS’ Indian restaurants including Trishna, Gymkhana, Brigadiers and Ambassadors Clubhouse. Pardasani’s role will oversee all aspects of the existing restaurants in London, as well as the expansion of the restaurants into new international markets.
With more than two decades of executive-level experience, Pardasani will oversee the group’s strategy, development and operations. He brings a keen attention to detail and exacting standards that will uphold the Sethi siblings’ foundational values and business acumen, while tailoring it to American audiences and beyond.
His leadership begins with two openings of the group’s iconic Indian restaurants this fall: Ambassadors Clubhouse, a restaurant inspired by the vibrant culinary and cultural heritage of India’s Punjab region, at A24’s new headquarters in New York City’s NoMad neighborhood; and Gymkhana, its acclaimed, two Michelin-starred London restaurant with a focus on traditional Northern Indian cuisine, at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
The son of Indian immigrants, he grew up in New York City in a home where food and culture were central to daily life—experiences that shaped both his palate and his perspective. Summers in Mumbai, his parents’ birthplace, deepened his appreciation for the ways in which food and family intertwine at the heart of Indian culture.
“Pavan is the perfect addition to our leadership team to help guide this exciting and pivotal expansion,” says Jyotin Sethi, Co-Founder and CEO of JKS Restaurants. “His deep industry knowledge, strategic mindset and passion for hospitality align perfectly with our vision for this next chapter as we continue to champion Indian cuisine globally.”
Prior to joining JKS, Pardasani played a key role in shaping some of the world’s most revenue-generating restaurant groups. Most recently, he served as Chief Marketing Officer at Tao Group Hospitality, where he led global marketing strategy and oversaw guest experiences, cultivating a rolodex of A-list regulars. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Hakkasan Group and Catch Hospitality, where he helped launch some of the industry’s most influential restaurant and lifestyle brands.
“This is a full-circle moment for me,” says Pardasani. “It’s an incredible honor to lead the global expansion of JKS’ Indian restaurants and to share the richness of our cuisine and hospitality on the world stage. JKS is rooted in tradition, innovation, and community—bringing that spirit to new markets is a true privilege, and a responsibility I carry with great pride.”
A graduate of NYU’s Stern School of Business, Pardasani also has a long-standing commitment to community engagement and social impact. He serves on the board of Covenant House and is active in initiatives supporting youth homelessness, disaster relief and local development.
As JKS Restaurants expands its portfolio, Pardasani’s appointment marks a key leadership addition, joined by Rob Rawleigh as US Managing Partner and Rick Tomich as US Vice President of Marketing for JKS’ Indian Restaurants. Laura Irving will remain as JKS’ Indian Restaurants Managing Director for the UK.
