PRS ‘Biki’ Oberoi (1929-2023): Biki Oberoi scaled the heights of excellence
PRS Oberoi, chairman emeritus of The Oberoi Group, passed away on Tuesday. He was 94.
Under his leadership, the hospitality chain set new benchmarks for luxury and attention to detail, and he oversaw the opening of several iconic luxury hotels in India and overseas.
He is also credited with placing Oberoi Hotels & Resorts on the international luxury travellers’ map.
“A visionary leader, Mr. P.R.S.
Oberoi's unwavering dedication and pursuit of excellence elevated The Oberoi Group to international acclaim,” read a statement from Vikram Oberoi, MD and CEO of EIH Ltd, and Arjun Oberoi, executive chairman of EIH Ltd. “His influence extended beyond corporate success, touching the lives of countless hoteliers through mentorship and a commitment to unparalleled standards.”
EIH Ltd is the flagship company of The Oberoi Group.
PRS Oberoi, popularly known as Biki, studied in India, Switzerland and the UK.
Known for fostering a work culture rooted in compassion and integrity of every member of the organization, he also established The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development in 1967.
He received numerous awards and accolades for his contribution to the hospitality industry including the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Biki Oberoi received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ET Awards for Corporate Excellence in 2012. Accepting the award at a ceremony presided over by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he had said «We built some hotels but it is not bricks and mortar, but our people who have made our hotels known worldwide.»
Kapil Chopra, former president of The Oberoi Group and founder and chief executive of The Postcard Hotel, said Oberoi's idea to build world-class hotels in India was way ahead of its time.
