Syed Habeeb-ur-Rehman (Habeeb Rehman), 78, was born and educated at Hyderabad from where he joined the Indian Military academy, Dehradun. After serving the Indian Army in several roles, he left as a Major and joined ITC Hotels, spanning a term of 37 years with India’s leading FMCG & Hospitality conglomerate ITC. He has served for over 19 years on the board of ITC both as Executive and non-Executive Director. He was specifically Director-in-Charge of Hotels, Travel and Tourism and Foods at the time of his retirement in March 2009.

He made significant contribution in overseeing ITC Hotels to its present levels and spread from lodges to luxury in rural and urban locations through iconic ÍTC Hotel’, ‘Welcom Hotel’, ‘FORTUNE’ and WELCOME HERITAGE’ brands in line with ITC’s pioneered direction of sustainable development and guiding the chain under the philosophy of ‘Responsible Luxury’. He is noted for creating signature restaurants, service style, unique human resource academy and promoting Indian Cuisine to world attention and standards. He was responsible to oversee the start of the Food Business which today has a turnover exceeding Rs. 10,000 crores.

His contribution in CSR is reflected through “WelcomJawan” “WelcomEnvironment”, “WelcomTheatre”, “WelcomArt” and “WelcomHeritage”.

He was the Founder President and Member of several hospitality initiatives like Hotel Association of India, WTTC, Experience India/Incredible India and has headed several industry associations including tourism committees of FICCI, ASSOCHAM AND CII. He is amongst the most regarded and respected doyens of the Industry in India having been honoured with numerous awards and citations.

He takes keen interest in history, travel, trekking, gardening, cuisine and is a great lover of dogs and has authored books on his pet, his memoir and on origins of Kebabs.

He lives in New Delhi.