The IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) International College of Distinguished Fellows conferred the Fellow of IIHM to 150 global hospitality leaders for their exemplary contribution to their industry at a glitzy event. Streamed over Zoom and YouTube on July 10 from noon, the convocation ceremony had Suborno Bose, CEO, International Institute of Hotel Management & CEO, International Hospitality Council, and Prof David Foskett, MBE, chairman - International Hospitality Council, London, coming together to confer the fellowship.

IIHM believes that hospitality is not merely a job. It’s a passion and wholehearted dedication towards serving mankind. Across the world, this passion has met profession in many ways, creating magic that has, in turn, inspired thousands of youngsters and students of hospitality. The IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows had elected 150 dedicated professionals to become Fellows of IIHM. All of them have greatly contributed to the international hospitality industry in one way or another.

Suborno Bose, CEO, International Institute of Hotel Management & CEO, International Hospitality Council, said: “The selected Fellows have immense contribution to the hospitality industry. The FIIHM is just a way of showing our gratitude and acknowledge their journey in the hospitality sector. We are sure that these iconic leaders will show the guiding light and provide great inspiration to future generations who would want to join this industry.”

The motto of The IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows is ‘Fiat Lux’ (Let there be Light). The distinguished fellows are the shining light of the industry, guiding future generations and students of hospitality.

The vision is to create The IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows membership, which will solely comprise individuals who have been conferred the Fellow of IIHM.

Prof David Foskett, MBE, said: “All of those who are being felicitated with this fellowship have led us through the darkness of the pandemic and now finally the dawn is breaking, bringing much hope for the future.”

The key objective of this college is to proactively create and provide support in a range of ways to the students 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. Here are the highlights of the nine-hour-long event:

Priya Paul, chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, displays her fellowship certificate

Michelin Star chef Chris Galvin poses with his fellowship award

Sumeet Suri, area head east and GM, JW Marriott Kolkata, said: “I humbly accept this fellowship with full gratitude. The kind of connect and amount of contribution being done to the industry is immense. I’m very honoured to accept this. It will be a pleasure for me, being in Calcutta, to come and contribute in every possible way, to all students, either virtually or in person, and be of help.”

Suborno Bose; Anita Mendiratta, international advisor in tourism and development, special adviser to the Secretary General, UNWTO; and Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, engage in a lively conversation

The virtual conclave saw hospitality leaders from across the globe take part

The 8EX Hospitality E-Conclave was live-streamed on July 9 on Zoom, marking the debut year of IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows, bringing together over 200 global hospitality leaders. The global conclave was a platform to exchange ideas and strategies through various panel discussions and talks for the entire hospitality fraternity.

Chef Ranveer Brar received the fellowship

R.S, Sodhi, managing director, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd, was part of the event too

A few of the Fellowship awardees

• Patu Keswani, chairman and MD, Lemon Tree Hotels
• Priya Paul, chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels
• A.D. Singh, founder and MD, Olive Group of Restaurants
• Ranvir Bhandari, senior VP and GM, The Trident Nariman Point
• Peter Jones MBE
• Zenobia Nadirshaw MBE
• Chef Ranveer Brar
• Robin Sheppard, president, Bespoke Hotels
• Alistair E. Telfer, secretary and chief executive, Oxford and Cambridge Club, London
• Lionel Benjamin,co-founder, AGO Hotels, UK
• Ajay Bakaya, MD, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts
• Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO, Chalet Hotels Ltd
• Anil Chadha, COO, ITC Hotels
• Manish Mehrotra, corporate chef, Indian Accent
• Michelin star chef Chris Galvin, chef patron at Galvin Restaurants
• Chef John Wood, co-founder of Kitchen Cut
• Gary Hunter, deputy executive principal, Capital City College Group, London
• Karl J. Guggenmos, dean- emeritus, Johnson & Wales University, US
• Anita Mendiratta, author and international advisor in tourism and development, special adviser to the secretary general, UNWTO
• Yangdup Lama, mixologist, entrepreneur and author
• Raju Bharat, owner and managing director, Kenilworth Hotels & Resorts
• Zorawar Kalra, founder, Massive Restaurants Pvt. Ltd l Rocky Mohan, chairman, Mohan Goldwater Breweries Ltd