HP Newsroom
The world has lost a remarkable figure with the passing of Don Luis De Lezama Barañano, the visionary founder of the Lezama Group, the Santa Maria la Blanca Foundation, and former President of EURHODIP. His death marks the end of an era for the organizations he built and the countless lives he touched through his unwavering commitment to service, humanity, and excellence.
Don Luis was much more than a business leader. He was a spiritual guide, a creator of opportunities, and a tireless dream builder whose influence extended far beyond the business world. Through his initiatives, Don Luis dedicated his life to improving the lives of others, particularly through education and social responsibility, and his legacy lives on through the ongoing projects of the Lezama Group and the Iruaritz Lezama Foundation. His values and vision remain the driving force behind the work carried out by these organizations.
His legacy is not just one of business success, but of a deep-rooted faith in the power of people to change the world for the better. His commitment to improving the lives of others, especially through education, community development, and the hospitality industry, continues to guide the mission of the Iruaritz Lezama Foundation.
As President of EURHODIP, Don Luis worked alongside international leaders to advance the hospitality sector, promoting high standards of education and developing a global community of professionals. His dedication to excellence in the hospitality industry left a lasting impact on EURHODIP’s work and vision.
On behalf of the entire COTHM community, Founder/President & CEO Ahmad Shafiq expressed heartfelt condolences upon hearing of Don Luis’s passing. “Don Luis was not only a visionary leader but also a source of inspiration to us all. His commitment to excellence, his profound humanity, and his dedication to advancing hospitality education have left an indelible mark on the global community,” said Ahmad Shafiq. “His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and we stand in solidarity with his family and colleagues during this time of grief.”
College of Tourism & Hospitality Management (COTHM) honors the incredible life and legacy of Don Luis De Lezama Barañano. His invaluable contributions to the hospitality industry, his tireless work in advancing education, and his leadership in international organizations such as EURHODIP have profoundly impacted all who knew him.
“Don Luis’s passion for excellence in hospitality education and his commitment to improving lives globally will forever inspire us at COTHM. His legacy is one of integrity, compassion, and leadership. We will continue to uphold the values he championed, and his memory will guide us as we move forward,” said COTHM COO Zaheer Ahmad.
