Surinder Arora
Surinder Arora | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Need valid birth date: year, month, day Punjab, India |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, hotelier |
| Known for | Airport hotels catering to airline crew members; close connections with British Airways |
| Notable work | Owner of Sofitel London Gatwick and Sofitel London Heathrow hotels; portfolio includes over 5,500 hotel rooms under Hilton and Holiday Inn franchises |
Surinder Arora (born September 1958) is a British-Indian billionaire entrepreneur with a focus on airport hotels, primarily catering to airline crew members. He maintains close connections with British Airways and holds a personal passion for aviation.
Early life
Originally from Punjab, India, Arora was separated from his parents until the age of thirteen, at which point he reunited with them in the United Kingdom. His family instilled a rigorous work ethic, with his mother particularly driven to see him succeed.
Arora launched his professional journey in 1988 at Abbey Life insurance as a sales representative. Within one year, he advanced to sales manager and ranked as the company's second top-performing salesman.
Career
In 1993, Arora departed from Abbey Life to establish a bed and breakfast aimed at airline personnel near Heathrow Airport. By 1999, his hotel had secured a contract with British Airways.
He acquired the franchise rights for the Accor Sofitel brand in 2004, purchasing the 500-room Le Meridien London Gatwick property to convert it into the Sofitel London Gatwick. He also announced plans for the £180 million, 600-room Sofitel London Heathrow. Presently, Arora's portfolio includes over 5,500 hotel rooms under various franchises such as Hilton and Holiday Inn.
In September 2021, Home Secretary Priti Patel was accused of violating the Ministerial Code after orchestrating a confidential meeting that included Arora and executives from British Airways.
Arora characterizes his business team as "like family," highlighting that his staff turnover rates are substantially lower than the industry average.
Net worth
In 2009, Arora was ranked 388th on The Times list of wealthiest individuals in the UK, with an estimated net worth of £140 million. By 2013, The Sunday Times Rich List valued his fortune at £356 million. Following a hotel asset revaluation in May 2019, his net worth increased dramatically by £780 million, reaching £1.129 billion.
Politics and public life
Initially a supporter of the Labour Party under Tony Blair, Arora opposed the 2003 Iraq War. He currently advises the Conservative Party on business-related policies as part of the New Enterprise Council. Additionally, he holds positions on the London Skills and Employment Board and serves as deputy chairman of Wentworth Golf Club.
Personal life
Arora lives in Wentworth, UK, with his wife Sunita Arora and their three children.
References
External links
- Interview with Surinder Arora featured in The Guardian