Hospitality Industry Mourns the Passing of PRS “Biki” Oberoi

Hospitality Industry Mourns the Passing of PRS “Biki” Oberoi

By Author

Published on November 14, 2023

The world of luxury hospitality mourns the passing of Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, fondly known as "Biki," on November 14, 2023, at the age of 94. 

“It is with deep sadness that we inform the peaceful passing of PRS Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, earlier today,” the official statement from Oberoi Group said. “As we mourn the loss of a true icon, we also aim to celebrate the extraordinary legacy PRS Oberoi leaves behind. In the coming days, we will share details of our plans to honour and remember him.” 

Born on February 3, 1929, PRS Oberoi took the helm as the Chairman of EIH Limited in 2002, following the passing of his father and the founding chairman of The Oberoi Group, Mohan Singh Oberoi. His leadership extended until 2013, leaving an indelible mark on the company and the luxury hotel sector.

Under his guidance, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts became synonymous with international luxury, with several upscale establishments in key cities. The prestigious Padma Vibhushan, awarded by the Government of India in 2008, recognised his exceptional service to the country.

In May 2022, PRS Oberoi gracefully stepped down from his position as Chairman and Director of EIH Limited, passing the reins to his nephew Arjun Singh Oberoi. Even after his departure, he left a lasting impact on the industry, ensuring that his vision for exceptional hospitality would endure.

Known for his belief that people are the most valuable asset of any organisation, PRS Oberoi's commitment to quality in hospitality management was unwavering. He instilled a spirit of perfection, attention to detail, and a desire for unmatched standards, earning him accolades such as the “Corporate Hotelier of the World” in 2010.

In June 2022, the International Hospitality Institute acknowledged him on the Global 100 in Hospitality, a testament to his enduring influence in the industry.

A visionary leader and Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group, his legacy shaped the landscape of the hospitality industry in India and beyond.  His passing is not just a loss for The Oberoi Group but a profound one for the hospitality sector in India and worldwide. His legacy lives on in the Oberoi Group's continued commitment to excellence. This legacy reached far beyond corporate success, touching the lives of countless hoteliers through mentorship and a dedication to unparalleled standards.

As we bid farewell to a titan in the world of luxury hospitality, we celebrate the life and contributions of PRS Oberoi, a man who put Indian hospitality and service on the global map.


Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai Appoints Sonal Ram as Marketing & Communications Manager

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai Appoints Sonal Ram as Marketing & Communications Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 30, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sonal Ram as its new Marketing and Communications Manager. With over seven years in hospitality marketing and event management, Sonal’s expertise promises a dynamic impact on the hotel’s strategies and guest engagement initiatives.

In her previous role at Lemon Tree Hotels, Sonal played a significant role in launching several properties, including the iconic Aurika Mumbai Skycity. Her skill in driving brand awareness, orchestrating major events, and contributing to revenue growth will be invaluable in her new position at Courtyard by Marriott.

Sonal’s appointment aligns perfectly with Courtyard by Marriott’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences, especially within its Food and Beverage sector. She will lead the development and execution of innovative marketing initiatives to boost brand visibility, attract new guests, and elevate the hotel’s reputation in Mumbai’s vibrant market.

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Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Sonal shared, “I am honoured to be joining such a renowned brand. I look forward to contributing to the hotel’s success and helping to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

With Sonal Ram’s expertise and energy, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport looks forward to strengthening its position as one of the city's premier hospitality destinations.

About Courtyard by Marriott:

Ideally located in Andheri East, Courtyard Mumbai International Airport offers 4-star comfort and easy access to Mumbai’s top attractions and business hubs, including Bandra Kurla Complex. Perfect for both business and leisure, guests enjoy a variety of amenities, from spa treatments and an outdoor pool to sophisticated event spaces for weddings and conferences. Indulge in culinary delights at MoMo Café, Ummrao restaurant, and Ark Bar, and unwind in upscale rooms featuring pillowtop mattresses, marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai continues to deliver friendly service and memorable experiences that have earned it a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Preeti Chugh as Executive Housekeeper

Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Preeti Chugh as Executive Housekeeper

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 26, 2024

Hyatt Regency Chennai has announced the appointment of Preeti Chugh as its new Executive Housekeeper. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Preeti joins Hyatt Regency Chennai, bringing extensive expertise in managing housekeeping operations at high-profile hotels. Her background includes prominent roles at well-known properties such as Hotel Sahara Star Mumbai and Ramada Hotel & Convention Center, where she led teams of more than 100 employees and upheld top-tier brand standards.

In her new role at Hyatt Regency Chennai, Preeti will oversee all housekeeping operations, focusing on maintaining high standards of cleanliness, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Her responsibilities will extend to managing laundry services, landscaping, and the overall upkeep of the hotel’s facilities, ensuring they meet and exceed Hyatt’s standards. Known for her attention to detail and commitment to quality, Preeti will drive the hotel’s housekeeping efforts to support its reputation as a premier destination for luxury and comfort.

Preeti’s passion for sustainability is evident in her leadership style; she has successfully led “Go Green” initiatives in her previous roles, encouraging environmentally friendly practices across her teams. By implementing eco-conscious practices and tracking sustainable progress, she aims to integrate these values into Hyatt Regency Chennai’s housekeeping operations, aligning with the hotel’s broader environmental goals.

Previously, as Executive Housekeeper at Hotel Sahara Star Mumbai, Preeti played a crucial role in helping the property achieve a 91% audit score for brand standards compliance, reflecting her dedication to operational excellence. Her background in developing and implementing training programs has also proven invaluable, fostering professional growth within her teams and supporting consistent service quality.


Amit Kumar Lala Appointed Director of Operations at The Westin Chennai Velachery

Amit Kumar Lala Appointed Director of Operations at The Westin Chennai Velachery

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 17, 2024

The Westin Chennai Velachery is delighted to announce the appointment of Amit Kumar Lala as the Director of Operations. With an impressive 19-year career in the hospitality industry, Lala brings a wealth of experience in managing operations in some of India's most prestigious hotels.

Amit Kumar Lala has worked with leading hotel chains, including Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels, Taj Hotels & Resorts, The Leela Palace, and ITC Hotels. His proven track record in strategic leadership and dynamic operations management makes him a valuable addition to The Westin Chennai Velachery’s leadership team.

Known for his guest-centric approach, Lala has consistently maintained high levels of guest satisfaction, introducing innovative service designs and personalized amenities to elevate the guest experience. His leadership is rooted in teamwork and employee engagement, ensuring that staff are motivated and performance is optimized.

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A strong financial strategist, Lala excels at managing substantial budgets, overseeing revenue, and driving profit margins while delivering excellent service.

An alumnus of IIAS Siliguri and a graduate of Calcutta University, Amit Kumar Lala is poised to bring his expertise and innovative mindset to further strengthen The Westin Chennai Velachery’s reputation for excellence.

For more details about The Westin Chennai Velachery, please visit their official website or follow them on social media for updates. 

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