Vikram S. Oberoi – Managing Director and CEO, The Oberoi Group
The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts company has been voted the world's greatest hotel brand by readers of the Travel + Leisure travel magazine.
Vikram S. Oberoi is the Managing Director and CEO of The Oberoi Group, one of the most respected names in global luxury hospitality. His journey from working across hotel departments to leading the group reflects a deep understanding of the business, shaped by tradition and driven by innovation.
Vikram S. Oberoi – Early Life and Education
Born into the Oberoi family, Vikram S. Oberoi grew up in an environment closely tied to the hospitality industry. His grandfather, Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, founded the Oberoi Group in 1934, and his father, Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi (PRS Oberoi), played a central role in transforming the company into a world-renowned luxury brand.
Vikram studied economics at Pepperdine University in California. During his student years, he gained hands-on experience by working in hotels during his summer breaks. He also explored finance, working as a broker with ANZ McCaughan in Australia before formally joining the family business.
Career Journey in Hospitality
In 1991, Vikram S. Oberoi began his full-time training with the Oberoi Group, working across different hotel departments including reception, housekeeping, sales, and the travel desk. This ground-up experience gave him a comprehensive view of hospitality operations.
By 1997, he was appointed General Manager of The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, a property that soon became one of India’s leading luxury hotels under his leadership.
In 2002, Vikram S. Oberoi was elevated to Joint Managing Director, and in 2006, he took over as CEO of The Oberoi Group. Since then, the group has expanded its international presence, with hotels in India, Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, while continuing to strengthen its domestic portfolio.
Leadership Philosophy
Vikram Oberoi often emphasizes that leadership is not just about titles. He once remarked:
“I don’t consider myself to be in the hospitality business; I consider myself to be in the business of creating memories. People arrive with some luggage and leave with the same luggage, but the only thing they truly take back are the memories they made here.”
This perspective has guided the Oberoi Group’s focus on guest experience, ensuring that service excellence remains its defining strength.
Growth and Global Recognition
Today, the Oberoi Group manages:
- 32 luxury hotels under the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts brand.
- 10 five-star properties under the Trident Hotels brand.
- Clarkes Hotel (Shimla) and Maidens Hotel (Delhi), historic properties that are part of the portfolio but not branded under Oberoi or Trident.
The Oberoi Group has earned widespread global recognition:
- Named the World’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure magazine.
- Several Oberoi properties consistently rank among the Top 10 Hotels in the World by Condé Nast Traveler.
- The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore was voted the World’s Best Hotel in 2010.
- The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur received the same honor in 2015.
These achievements highlight the group’s commitment to excellence across decades.
Recent Highlights
- Featured in Hotelier India’s Power List 2023.
- Recognized among the 100 Most Influential Indians by HELLO! Magazine India.
- Oberoi Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of its first UK property in London’s Mayfair, marking a major milestone in its international expansion.
- In November 2023, the Oberoi family and the hospitality industry mourned the passing of Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, aged 94, whose leadership shaped much of the group’s modern identity.
Looking Ahead
Vikram S. Oberoi carries forward the legacy of two pioneering hoteliers—his grandfather Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi and his father PRS Oberoi. The responsibility is significant, but with his operational expertise and guest-centric vision, Vikram continues to strengthen the Oberoi Group’s position in global hospitality while steering it into new markets.
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FAQs
Who is Vikram S. Oberoi?
Vikram S. Oberoi is the Managing Director and CEO of The Oberoi Group, one of the world’s leading luxury hospitality companies. He has been leading the group since 2006, carrying forward the legacy of his grandfather Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi and father Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi.
What is Vikram S. Oberoi’s educational background?
Vikram Oberoi holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Pepperdine University, California. He also worked in finance as a broker with ANZ McCaughan in Australia before joining the family’s hospitality business in 1991.
When did Vikram Oberoi become CEO of The Oberoi Group?
He was appointed Joint Managing Director in 2002 and later became the CEO in 2006. Since then, he has expanded the group’s global footprint with hotels across India, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
What is Vikram S. Oberoi’s family background?
Vikram is the son of Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi (PRS Oberoi), the former Chairman and visionary leader of The Oberoi Group, and the grandson of Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, the group’s founder.
Who is Vikram S. Oberoi’s wife?
Vikram S. Oberoi is married to Reena Wadhwa.
Does Vikram S. Oberoi have children?
Yes, Vikram S. Oberoi and his wife, Reena Wadhwa, have 2 children, but their names and details are kept private as the family maintains a low public profile.
What is the net worth of Vikram S. Oberoi?
While exact figures vary, reports suggest that Vikram S. Oberoi’s net worth is closely tied to the Oberoi Group and EIH Ltd., the company’s listed entity, which has a market capitalization of over ₹20,000 crore (as of 2024).
Has The Oberoi Group expanded internationally under Vikram Oberoi?
Yes. Under his leadership, the group has established properties in Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In 2023, The Oberoi Group also announced its first UK property in London’s Mayfair, marking a major milestone in global expansion.