Dr Kerwin Savio Nigli, Head of the Department of Hotel Management at Christ University, Bengaluru, has dedicated over two decades to shaping hospitality education through leadership, service, and innovation. From 2007 to 2016, he served as the University’s Coordinator for Admissions, a role in which he streamlined processes, enhanced transparency, and guided thousands of aspiring students into higher education. This formative leadership responsibility laid the foundation for his larger vision of academic excellence and inclusivity.

Today, as Head of the Department, he continues to blend education with social impact and cultural preservation. He has pioneered initiatives such as Swād, which revives regional Indian cuisines through research and community-based food experiences, and strengthened Parivaar, the department’s flagship outreach program. Through projects like Handful of Food and Community Lunch, students prepare and distribute over 350 hygienic meals daily, with 44,634 meals served in 2024 alone, building technical competence while instilling empathy and values.

He has been instrumental in organizing the world’s first South Indian Filter Coffee Competition, promoting women’s heart health through a marathon with over 1,700 participants, and conceptualizing iTalk@CU, a platform that connects students with industry leaders. During the pandemic, he launched the UKTI Webinar Series, sustaining academic engagement with 99+ sessions on global hospitality trends.

His research interests include emotional labor, social intelligence, and workplace culture, with papers presented at national and international platforms including IIM, XLRI, IISWBM, Loyola, MDI, RCSS, and Symbiosis. He has also mentored undergraduate research presentations at global conferences. Internationally, he has represented Christ University in Malaysia, Italy, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, England, and Switzerland.

Dr Kerwin’s leadership philosophy is rooted in imagineering, fusing imagination with practical execution. Whether designing immersive food experiences, curating wine dinners, or developing academic strategies, he adds depth and meaning to learning. Beyond his achievements, he is admired for his humility and approachability. Known as a mentor with a genuine heart, he guides, supports, and uplifts others quietly, without seeking recognition.

He is currently a Governing Body Member of the Tourism and Hospitality Council, India, and associated with Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, India. His journey stands as a testament to values-based education, social responsibility, and the belief that hospitality is as much about service to people as it is about service to guests.