Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, the Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, November 14, at the age of 94. Affectionately known as “Biki,” Oberoi had retired from his roles as the executive chairman of EIH Ltd and chairman of EIH Associates Hotel Limited. The Oberoi Group, distinguished for its luxury hotels, including The Trident Hotels and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, mourns the loss of this visionary leader.
Oberoi played a pivotal role in transforming the hospitality industry in India and received education in India, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, culminating in a degree in Hotel Management from Lausanne, Switzerland. In 2008, Oberoi was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, recognizing his substantial contributions to the hospitality sector. Survived by his son Vikram, CEO and managing director of EIH, and two daughters, Oberoi’s legacy extends beyond his family. He was acknowledged by the International Hospitality Institute in the Global 100 in Hospitality as one of the Most Powerful People in the Global Hospitality industry. Having received numerous awards and accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan, PRS Oberoi’s exceptional contributions to tourism and hospitality were further recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market). The Oberoi Group expressed deep condolences, noting that PRS Oberoi’s indelible mark on the hotel industry will be remembered.
Hotel magnate known as Biki, oversees the Oberoi Group and its portfolio of 29 hotels and two luxury yachts across five countries. In an effort to bolster the family’s holding, he has been acquiring shares of the group’s listed flagship, EIH. Oberoi is set to embark on new projects, developing hotels and luxury residences in Mumbai and Bangalore, collaborating with Reliance, which holds an 18% stake in the group. Renowned American interior designer Adam Tihany has been enlisted to renovate the chain’s Delhi hotel. Oberoi, emphasizing the care of luxury hotels, has mentioned, “A luxury hotel is like a beautiful woman. If you do not look after her and bejewel her from time to time, no one will desire her.” Operations are led by his son Vikram, while overseas planning is handled by nephew Arjun.
The cremation ceremony for Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi is scheduled to take place at the Bhagwanti Oberoi Charitable Trust, Oberoi Farm, Kapashera, beginning at 4:00 pm today. Additionally, prayers will be conducted in his memory at several Oberoi hotels and the Corporate Office, as outlined in a press note issued by the Oberoi Group. Founded in 1934, the Oberoi Group oversees the management of 32 hotels and Nile Cruisers. Operating with the luxury ‘Oberoi’ and five-star ‘Trident’ brands, the group maintains a global presence in seven countries, as indicated on the Oberoi Hotels website. Engaged in diverse sectors, the Oberoi Group is involved in flight catering, airport restaurants, travel and tour services, car rentals, project management, and corporate air charters.