Hotel Association of India (HAI), the apex body of India’s hospitality industry deeply mourns the passing away of S. S. H. Rehman, a founding member & The first President of HAI. HAI, pays tribute to this visionary leader and remembers his remarkable contributions to the hospitality industry. Rehman’s immense contributions helped shape the hospitality sector in the last few decades.
Rehman was a founding member of the World Travel & Tourism Council in India. He was known to be instrumental in initiatives such as Experience India / Incredible India and led several industry associations, including tourism committees of FICCI, ASSOCHAM, and CII.
HAI President and Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, KB Kachru said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. S. S. H. Rehman, a visionary leader whose extraordinary contributions to the hospitality industry have left a lasting impact on the sector. His dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction was integral in shaping the hospitality sector in India. As a founding member of HAI, he greatly shaped the evolution of the Association. In his passing away the industry has lost a mentor. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and pray for eternal peace of the departed soul”.
Speaking on the void created by his passing away MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI said: “with his unwavering commitment to excellence, Mr. Rehman made far reaching contributions to the Indian hospitality industry. As a pioneering founding member of HAI, he steered the Association through its early years with great vision HAI was honored to have the benefit of his leadership in its formative years.”
Rehman began his career in the Indian Army before transitioning to the hospitality sector in 1975; he joined ITC in 1979, thus marking the start of a remarkable three-decade association with the company. In 1994, Mr. Rehman was appointed Managing Director of the then ITC Hotels Limited. He later joined the company’s Board as an Executive Director, overseeing several businesses including Hotels, Travel & Tourism, and Foods. During this time, he played a pivotal role in strengthening ITC Hotels’ position as one of India’s leading hospitality chains.
Comments are closed.