New Delhi: Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, affectionately known as ‘Biki,’ Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, passed away at the age of 94. A visionary in the hospitality industry, he transformed the landscape with a chain of 32 hotels, including the iconic Oberoi and Trident brands.
Born on February 3, 1929, in New Delhi, PRS Oberoi served as the company’s chairman from 1988 until May last year, when he stepped down due to declining health. His leadership expanded the company from its inaugural hotel, ‘The Trident Chennai’ in 1988, to one of India’s most esteemed hotel chains.
A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan in 2008 and the ‘Corporate Hotelier of the World’ award in 2010, Oberoi’s influence reached beyond borders. He chose not to name a successor, leaving behind a legacy upheld by his son Vikramjit Singh Oberoi, the current Managing Director and CEO of EIH Hotels, and daughters Natasha and Anastasia.
In addition to his global contributions to luxury hospitality, PRS Oberoi received accolades such as the Businessman of the Year 2008 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. His impact on the industry was further recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific in 2005.
Educated in India, the UK, and Switzerland, Oberoi was a trailblazer in redefining design standards and elevating Oberoi Hotels and Resorts to a symbol of fine luxury. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a lasting imprint on India’s hospitality landscape.
