PRS Oberoi of Oberoi Group dies at 94: What you need to know about the hospitality icon

Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, a pioneering figure in India's hospitality and luxury hotel industry and the Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group, died on the morning of Tuesday, November 14, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Oberoi Group.

"It is with profound grief and sorrow that we wish to inform you of the peaceful passing of our beloved leader, Mr. PRS Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus earlier today. His passing is a significant loss for The Oberoi Group and the hospitality industry in India and overseas," the company said in an official statement.

Who was PRS Oberoi?

• He was born in Delhi in 1929 and passed away at the age of 94.
• Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi was popularly known as “Biki” and was the son of Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group.
• PRS Oberoi was the executive chairman of EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group.
• He was also the chairman of Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, the major shareholder of EIH Limited.
• He received his education in India, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

PRS Oberoi's achievements

• PRS Oberoi was honored with several awards. In January 2008, the veteran figure in the hospitality sector received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor in India, acknowledging his outstanding contributions and service to the nation.
• He also received the lifetime achievement award at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) held in Cannes in December 2012.
• Other awards included the '2010 Corporate Hotelier of the World' award by HOTELS magazine in November 2010, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, the Businessman of the Year 2008, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management.
• In 2002, Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi took over as the Chairman and Director of EIH Limited after the death of his father and founding chairman of the Oberoi Group.
• On May 3, 2022, PRS Oberoi retired from his positions as chairman and director of EIH Limited.

The Oberoi Group was founded in 1934. It operates 32 hotels and Nile Cruisers and is present in seven countries under the luxury 'Oberoi' and five-star 'Trident' brands