To demonstrate what is made possible thanks to the dedication and support of members like Ejnar Söder, IH&RA members were treated to a presentation of the first ever “Visiting Professor Programme” conducted in Ethiopia at the end of 2005, sponsored by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The presentation was given by Alexandros Paraskevas, Senior Lecturer in Strategic Management in the Department of Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Management of Oxford Brookes University Business School, who was the professor that traveled on the “Visiting Professor Programme” to teach some 22 talented Ethiopian students about the principles about “hospitality management.” Mr. Paraskevas described the experience as “rewarding” marveling that the students were extremely talented and intelligent and seized on this opportunity afforded to them by the IH&RA Foundation.

Ejnar then took the stage to give a moving account of his life in hospitality. He described with candour and humour his life dedicated to the hotel industry and his passion for his job. He was the founder of Scandic Hotels and started his own Nordic Hotels which has been recognized as being cutting-edge and innovative. One of his hotels is part of the “Design Hotels” group and his “Ice Bar” – the hottest place in Stockholm. Ejnar described himself as an “entrepreneur” detailing his latest project – a floating hotel in the waters surrounding Stockholm.

From Andries De Vaal, Chairman Foundation for the Future:

"As the present Chairman of the Foundation for the Future (and, if I may say, as your friend) I specifically want to thank you for what you brought to all of our times together: your wisdom, your sense of human dignity, your kindness, your generous hospitality (who will ever forget these great Trustees meetings held in your hotel in Stockholm), your vision and your drive. Above all, I want to pay tribute to your unrelenting efforts to represent the interests of individual hoteliers; you were often a lone voice, but - bless you - you always stuck to your guns..."

From Mark Maley, Trustee and former Chairman of the Foundation for the Future:

"As one of the two founders of the Foundation For the Future, I know better than anyone what you have contributed...Your experience with the Swedish Foundation and understanding of the need to encourage and develop young people in the industry and the tremendous hospitality you have given for Foundation meetings has been invaluable...The legacy we share of over two hundred scholars and more recently the highly acclaimed Visiting Professor programme in Ethiopia are in no small measure due to your efforts."

IH&RA would like to thank Ejnar for his passion, dedication and service to the global hospitality industry and for his many years of leadership to IH&RA.