Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, the Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group of hotels and resorts, passed away at the age of 94 on Tuesday morning. In 2002, following the passing of his father and the founding chairman of the Oberoi Group, Mohan Singh Oberoi, he assumed the roles of Chairman and Director of EIH Limited. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi continued to serve as the CEO of EIH Limited until 2013.
The veteran of the hospitality industry passed away over a year after stepping down from his role as the Chairman and Director of EIH Limited.
In May 2022, the Oberoi Group head chose to resign from his position as the Chairman and Director of EIH Limited. According to a company filing, his nephew Arjun Singh Oberoi was promptly appointed as the Executive Chairman with immediate effect. In a letter, Vikram Oberoi, his son and Managing Director of Oberoi Hotels, mentioned that the industry veteran would now devote more time to his health.
Throughout his term, PRS Oberoi spearheaded the growth of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. The seasoned professional in the hospitality industry also inaugurated numerous Oberoi Hotels in significant cities, establishing the hospitality group’s presence on the global stage.
“It is PRS Oberoi’s firm belief that people are the most valuable asset of any organisation,” the Oberoi Group website read.
He received education in India, the UK, and Switzerland. Additionally, in 1967, he founded The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development in Delhi.
“A visionary leader, Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi’s unwavering dedication and pursuit of excellence elevated The Oberoi Group to international acclaim. His influence extended beyond corporate success, touching the lives of countless hoteliers through mentorship and a commitment to unparalleled standards,” the Oberoi Group said in an in-memoriam release for the industry titan.
He has been honored with numerous awards for his significant contributions to the hospitality industry. In 2008, Oberoi received the Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his outstanding service to the country in the realms of tourism and hospitality. Business India magazine bestowed upon PRS Oberoi the title of Businessman of the Year 2008 for establishing a world-class hospitality brand.
He received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for revolutionizing standards in luxury hotels. In November 2010, the patriarch of the Oberoi Group was honored with the 2010 Corporate Hotelier of the World award by HOTELS magazine.
The magazine cover hailed him as “the founding father of modern luxury hospitality in India,” attributing to him the expansion of the company “into one of the world’s most esteemed luxury hotel groups.”
In February 2013, The All India Management Association (AIMA) honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management. In 2015, he was recognized as one of CNBC TV18’s Top 15 Indian Business Icons.
