150 global hospitality leaders elected as Fellows of IIHM for their exemplary contribution to the hospitality industry

IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows inaugurated to enhance the educational and career aspirations of all students and graduates of the hospitality industry through inspirational leadership

New Delhi; July, 2021: Hospitality today has transformed from a mere profession to an earnest passion that is executed with wholehearted dedication and compassion towards serving mankind. Across the world, this zeal among hospitality professionals has inspired others to follow in their footsteps. To spread the light of inspiration, knowledge and experience, the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) International College of Distinguished Fellows has elected 150 dedicated professionals of the hospitality industry to become Fellows of IIHM. All of those who have been conferred this honour, have greatly contributed to the international hospitality industry and would now share their knowledge and experiences to educate the future generation of hospitality professionals studying at IIHM.

The newly elected Fellows include Patu Keswani (Chairman & MD, Lemon Tree Hotels), Priya Paul (Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels), AD Singh (Founder & MD, Olive Group of Restaurants), Chef Vikas Kapoor, Robin Sheppard (President, Bespoke Hotels), Allister Telford, Lionel Benjamin, Ajay Bakaya, (MD, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts), Sanjay Sethi (CEO and Co-Founder at Shopclues.com), Chef Ranveer Brar, Anil Chadha (COO, ITC Hotels), Chef Manish Mehrotra, Michelin star Chef Chris Galvin, Chef John Wood (Co-Founder of Kitchen Cut), Chef Gary Hunter (Head of Faculty, Westminster Kingsway College), Peter Jones MBE, Chef Karl Guggenmos (Dean of Culinary Education and Development, Johnson and Wales University), Anita Mendiratta (Author and International Advisor in Tourism and Development, Special Advisor to the Secretary General, UNWTO), Yangdup Lama (Mixologist and entrepreneur), Dr Rupinder Sodhi (MD, Amul India), Ranvir Bhandari (Area Head Oberoi Hotels (West)) and Ian Dubier (Area Director, Taj Hotels).

The IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows was inaugurated on 9th July 2021 with 8EX Hospitality E-Conclave, bringing together virtually 200 hospitality professionals from across the world for exchange of ideas and experiences through speeches and panel discussions. The motto of the College is ‘FIAT LUX’ (Let there be Light). The distinguished Fellows are the shining light of the industry, always guiding future generations and students of hospitality. The key objective of this college is to proactively create and provide support in a range of ways to the hospitality student and academic community in general. This will further enhance the educational and career aspirations of all students and graduates of the hospitality industry through inspirational leadership.

A special virtual convocation ceremony was held on 10th July 2021 where Dr Suborno Bose (CEO, International Institute of Hotel Management & CEO, International Hospitality Council), Prof David Foskett MBE (Chairman, International Hospitality Council London) and Ron Scott (International Director, Indismart Group) came together to confer the Fellowship on to the 150 selected hospitality professionals.

Celebrity Chef Padma Shri Sanjeev Kapoor joined in to say a few words. “This is a momentous occasion where the stars of the hospitality industry have been inducted as Fellows of IIHM. It amazes me how IIHM keeps on coming up with innovative ideas for the industry. This is the time for shared learning and there could be no other better way than inducting such experts and stalwarts of the industry as Fellows of the IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows.”

On this occasion, Dr Suborno Bose (CEO, International Institute of Hotel Management & CEO, International Hospitality Council) said, “The 150 selected Fellows are being celebrated for all their hard work and immense contribution to the hospitality industry by being conferred the Fellow of IIHM. We are sure that these iconic leaders will show the guiding light and provide great inspiration to youngsters and future generations who would want to join this industry.”