Chef Jestina Pambu is a seasoned culinary leader with more than 15 years of experience within The Ritz‑Carlton brand, known for her passion for food, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Currently serving as Banquet Chef at The Ritz‑Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, a role she proudly stepped into following her promotion two years ago, Chef Jestina oversees large‑scale culinary operations with creativity, precision, and a genuine love for hospitality.
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta, Chef Jestina began her journey with The Ritz‑Carlton in 2010 at AG Restaurant in Atlanta. She rose steadily through the ranks from Cook III to Cook I, becoming both a Learning Coach and a trusted leader on the line. Her drive and culinary talent led to her promotion to Garde Manger Supervisor, where she managed Club Level presentations, hotel amenities, inventory, HACCP compliance, and a team of skilled cooks. Her exceptional performance earned her the prestigious 5‑Star Employee of the Year Award in 2017. In 2019, Chef Jestina joined The Ritz‑Carlton St. Thomas, taking on the role of Banquet Senior Supervisor and later Acting Banquet Sous Chef. There, she played a key role in the reopening of the fully renovated $140 million resort, overseeing multiple culinary areas, including Banquets, Garde Manger, Employee Dining Room, Club Level, Butcher Shop, and the resort’s two luxury catamarans. Her leadership contributed to 40% of the resort’s Food & Beverage revenue, contributing to the hotel being recognized as the “Most Recommended Luxury Hotel in the USVI” by Travel + Leisure in 2021.
Since joining The Ritz‑Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in 2021, Chef Jestina has continued to elevate the banquet experience through innovative menus, exceptional amenities, and a commitment to shaping strong, high‑performing culinary teams. She partners closely with Meetings & Events, Food & Beverage leadership, and operational teams to execute high‑profile events, ensure flawless coordination, and drive culinary excellence across the resort’s banquet operations. She also leads the resort’s Club Level culinary program and oversees the hotel amenity program with creativity and care. Known for her dedication to training and developing talent, Chef Jestina leads a banquet team of more than 10 cooks, fostering an environment rooted in mentorship, high standards, and continuous improvement. Her leadership style combines grace, resilience, and the Ritz‑Carlton Gold Standards she has lived for more than a decade. Outside the kitchen, Chef Jestina is a marathon runner, an avid kitchen gardener, and an active community volunteer, including work with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Her passion for growth, innovation, and service continues to inspire both her team and the guests she serves.
