Alumni Video Series: Meet Ketan Kulkarni

Growing up on the small island of Mombasa in Kenya, Ketan Kulkarni would frequent resorts with family and friends and got to experience the true glamour that came with it. It was those particular memories that drew him to the hospitality industry, which eventually led him to pursuing his dream career at Le Cordon Bleu Australia.

Fast-forward to 2008 and Ketan graduated with a Master of International Hospitality Management (MIHM) degree from the institution’s Adelaide arm, allowing him to take hold of his career at a leadership level.

“Studying the MIHM really gave me an understanding of the basic concepts of leadership and management which has assisted me with all my roles to-date,” he says.

“Apart from the extensive learnings from well-experienced facilitators, the part I loved most was forming relationships with my peers along the way.

“To this day we still connect and talk about industry challenges, concepts and trends.”

Today, Ketan is the general manager of The Cullen Hotel (part of the Art Series Hotel Group) in the heart of Prahran, Victoria.

The hotel offers event spaces, multiple food and beverage outlets and luxury rooms immersed in local artwork inspired by, and named after, local artist Adam Cullen.

He says every day is different but interacting with people – whether it be staff or guests – is his favourite part of the job.

Ketan Kulkarni briefing his team, and right, Ketan in one of The Cullen Hotel's conference rooms. “We have guests from all over the world stay with us and hearing their stories really fascinates me,” he says.

“Seeing the smiles on their faces is what truly makes me enjoy what I do.”

He says for those seeking a leadership role in the hospitality industry, Le Cordon Bleu Australia’s Master of International Hospitality Management degree ticks all the boxes.

“Everybody knows Le Cordon Bleu; it’s famous not only locally but internationally,” Ketan says.

“Studying their master’s program will provide you with a solid foundation to progress, with a great career in hospitality.”

Explore Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide's Master of International Hospitality Management degree