MUMBAI: The Hinduja family and Gopichand Hinduja, Chairman of The Hinduja Group, a 110-year-old multinational conglomerate with a multi-billion dollar turnover, have secured the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at Spear’s Awards 2023. The grand event, held in the opulent ballroom of Landmark London, brought together luminaries from the wealth management, private banking, and property sectors to honor outstanding achievements in the past year.  This award to the Hinduja family underscores their entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to excellence, and the successful fusion of history and modern luxury in The OWO Residences.

Under G.P. Hinduja’s visionary leadership, the Hinduja family has not only reshaped global industries with ventures in hospitality, automotive, finance, energy, and healthcare but also set unprecedented levels of success. Their strategic guidance has left a lasting impact on the global economy, redefining industry standards across diverse sectors.

Expressing her gratitude for this achievement, Shalini Hinduja, the daughter-in-law of Gopichand Hinduja chairman of the Hinduja Group remarked, “We are deeply grateful and humbled to have secured the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. For me, an entrepreneur is someone who takes risks in business and is willing to go against the odds. The acquisition of the Old War Office was exactly that, in light of where things are in terms of the economy. ‘Our initial tagline was: “Honouring the history and forging the future.” We needed things to be functional and achieve some level of modernity while keeping that link with the history of the building.”

Shalini Hinduja has played a pivotal role in spearheading this ambitious venture, marking the family’s inaugural foray into the hospitality sector. After a meticulous six-year renovation project, The OWO, now home to the UK’s first Raffles Hotel, opened its doors to the public last summer. The property boasts 85 uniquely designed residences and nine restaurants, setting a new benchmark for opulence in the heart of London.

The Hinduja Family, in addition to their notable business achievements, is dedicated to philanthropic endeavors through the Hinduja Foundation. Focused on education, healthcare, and community development, the foundation has positively impacted countless lives.

The Spear’s Awards 2023 celebrated 18 distinguished winners across categories like School of the Year and HNW Wealth Manager of the Year. Among the outstanding honorees was Charlotte Bobroff, executive director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, named UHNW Wealth Manager of the Year. J.P. Morgan Private Bank secured top honors as the Private Bank of the Year – International and Grand Prix winner for Private Client Firm of the Year.

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The grand inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including HRH Princess Beatrice, Sadiq Khan-The Mayor of London, Adil Ray British Actor and Comedian, Natalie Pinkman British Television Presenter, Richard Caring British Businessman, and Bollywood Actor Akshay Kumar, and wife Twinkle Khanna. Other notable figures from the Royal Family, world leaders, and celebrities also came together to witness the rebirth of this iconic building.

“We have always been working to see what best we can do between India and the UK because we believe our responsibility is to act as a bridge between the host country and the motherland.

It took us eight years and in these eight years we had a lot to do, but finally, this iconic building has been converted into a symbol of peace and solace and not World Wars. The OWO will represent the legacy of the Hinduja Group and emerge as London’s iconic destination. Everyone who lands in London will first come here to see what it is.” said GP Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group.

Princess Anne Princess Royal, the sister of King Charles III, officially unveiled the plaque for The OWO after a tour of the hotel with Hinduja Group chairman GP Hinduja. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also made a quick stopover, along with parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, and stars of film and television.

The OWO’s grand inauguration ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, including HRH Princess Beatrice, Sadiq Khan-The Mayor of London, Adil Ray-British Actor and Comedian, Natalie Pinkman-British Television Presenter, Richard Caring-British Businessman, and Bollywood Actor Akshay Kumar and wife Twinkle Khanna. Other notable figures from the Royal Family, world leaders, and celebrities also came together to witness the rebirth of this iconic building.

The transformed OWO also houses 85 Residences by Raffles as part of the building’s reimagining as a new culinary district for London, complete with nine new restaurants and three bars, including a rooftop with panoramic views of Buckingham Palace. The hotel will welcome its first guests starting this Friday, September 29.

Sanjay Hinduja, who has overseen the project, said, “When we came to Whitehall, the team was blown away by the size and beauty of this majestic building. No expense has been spared in bringing it back to its former glory and paying homage to its heritage, whilst breathing new life into it. Along with Raffles London at The OWO, we hope to create a legacy that is both timeless and unsurpassed.“

Raffles Hotels & Resorts, which is part of Accor, boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta, or Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travelers arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family.

The Hinduja Group is one of India’s premier diversified and transnational conglomerates, employing about 200,000 employees across 38 countries and owning businesses in automotive, information technology, media, entertainment, and communications, banking and financial services, infrastructure project development, cybersecurity, oil and specialty chemicals, power, real estate, trading, and healthcare. Founded over a hundred years ago by Shri PD Hinduja, it supports charitable and philanthropic activities across the world through the Hinduja Foundation.

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The Hinduja Family acquired the landmark building on Whitehall over eight years ago and has since transformed it into an extravagant hub complete with luxury residences, restaurants, and spas. The Old War Office, originally completed in 1906 and designed by British architect William Young, was formerly the site of the original Palace of Whitehall. The building has since witnessed world-shaping events while influential political and military leaders like Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George held office in the UK.

As part of the renovation, the historic interior elements have been restored, including delicate hand-laid mosaic floors, oak paneling, glittering chandeliers, and a magnificent marble staircase. The OWO features 120 guest rooms and suites, signature dining experiences by chef Mauro Colagreco, entertainment spaces including a grand ballroom, and 85 Residences by Raffles as part of the building’s reimagining as a new culinary district for London.

The most historically significant areas of the building include the Heritage Suites, former offices of the influential political and military leaders associated with its history. A number of these will be available for exclusive reservations as “The Whitehall Wing,” a six-bedroom suite occupying the west wing of the building that can accommodate up to 12 guests – one of the largest luxury hotel wings available in London.

Sanjay Hinduja, who has overseen the project, said, “No expense has been spared in bringing it back to its former glory and paying homage to its heritage, whilst breathing new life into it. Along with Raffles London at The OWO, we hope to create a legacy that is both timeless and unsurpassed.“

Sebastien Bazin, Accor Chairman & CEO, said, “Everyone at Accor feels honored and privileged to be part of this historic project that has surpassed all expectations – truly a legend in the making and possibly the most awe-inspiring hotel on the planet.”

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travelers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive.

The Hinduja Group is one of India’s premier diversified and transnational conglomerates, employing about 200,000 employees across 38 countries and owning businesses in various sectors. Founded over a hundred years ago by Shri PD Hinduja, it supports charitable and philanthropic activities across the world through the Hinduja Foundation.

The transformed OWO is set to become one of the most sought-after luxury hotels in London, offering guests an unforgettable experience steeped in history and elegance.

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