Hotel Association of India (HAI), the apex body of India’s hospitality industry, deeply mourns the passing away of Mr. S. S. H. Rehman, a founding member and the first President of HAI. HAI pays tribute to this visionary leader and remembers his remarkable contributions to the hospitality industry. Mr. Rehman’s immense contributions helped shape the hospitality sector in the last few decades.

Mr. Rehman was a founding member of India’s World Travel & Tourism Council. He was instrumental in initiatives such as Experience India / Incredible India and led several industry associations, including the tourism committees of FICCI, ASSOCHAM, and CII.

Mr. KB Kachru, President and Chairman of South Asia for Radisson Hotel Group, stated, “We mourn the loss of Mr. S. S. H. Rehman, a visionary leader who significantly contributed to the hospitality industry and profoundly impacted 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 significantly 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, Mr. MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General of 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 honoured to benefit from his leadership in its formative years.”

Mr 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 ITC Hotels Limited. He later joined the company’s Board as an Executive Director, overseeing several businesses, including Hotels, Travel & Tourism, and Food. During this time, he was pivotal in strengthening ITC Hotels’ position as one of India’s leading hospitality chains.