Ritesh Agarwal is the founder and CEO of OYO Rooms, a rapidly growing hospitality company that has revolutionized the hotel booking and management industry. As an Indian billionaire entrepreneur, Agarwal has led OYO to become a significant player in the global hospitality market, with a strong presence in countries like Indonesia. In addition to his business achievements, he has also participated in the popular television series Shark Tank India.
Who is the CEO of OYO?
Born and raised in Odisha, India, Ritesh Agarwal is a self-made billionaire entrepreneur who founded OYO Rooms, a leading hospitality company. After completing his schooling in India, Agarwal moved to Delhi for college, where he later started Oravel Stays, an Airbnb equivalent, in 2011. The company went through the accelerator program Venture Nursery in 2012 and was one of the winners of the 2013 Thiel Fellowship, receiving a grant of $100,000. OYO Rooms was launched in May 2013, and by September 2018, the company raised $1 billion. Agarwal's achievements include being a Thiel Fellow, featuring in Forbes' 30 under 30 list for Asia, and participating as a Shark on Shark Tank India. Under his leadership, OYO has expanded its operations internationally, becoming the largest hospitality tech platform in Indonesia.
Work History
- OYO - Founder & Group CEO (June 2013 - Present)
- The Thiel Foundation - Fellow (April 2013 - Present)
Education History
Ritesh Agarwal's educational background includes attending St. Johns Senior Secondary School, where he was a high school senior from 2010 to 2012. During his time at St. Johns, Agarwal focused on subjects such as English, Physics, Chemistry, and Maths, laying the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
When did Ritesh Agarwal join OYO?
Ritesh Agarwal is the Founder and Group CEO of OYO Rooms, a position he has held since the company's inception in June 2013. As the founder, Agarwal has been with OYO since its beginning, leading the company for over eight years. His entrepreneurial journey has seen OYO grow into a significant player in the global hospitality market, with Agarwal's leadership playing a crucial role in its success.