Dinesh Dhamija

Dinesh Dhamija’s Biography

Dinesh Dhamija is a British-Indian entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and former politician who made his name as the founder of ebookers, Europe’s first internet travel agency. After securing $5 million in initial funding, Dinesh led the business to FTSE 250 status before selling it for $471 million in 2005.

Since then, Dinesh has dedicated himself to public service, philanthropy and the promotion of sustainable energy. He served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Liberal Democrats and as President of the EU’s India Desk. Post-Brexit, he continues to campaign for closer UK-India trade relations. A committed advocate for clean energy, Dinesh sits on the Strategy Board of the Global Solar Council. He is Chair of Copper Beech Group, which backs renewable energy ventures in Europe and India, including solar and hydrogen energy companies in Romania.

A first-generation immigrant, Dinesh has lived and worked in 17 countries. Born in Australia to an Indian diplomat, Dinesh moved to the UK, where he studied law at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge. In recognition... Dinesh Dhamija is a British-Indian entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and former politician who made his name as the founder of ebookers, Europe’s first internet travel agency. After securing $5 million in initial funding, Dinesh led the business to FTSE 250 status before selling it for $471 million in 2005.

Since then, Dinesh has dedicated himself to public service, philanthropy and the promotion of sustainable energy. He served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Liberal Democrats and as President of the EU’s India Desk. Post-Brexit, he continues to campaign for closer UK-India trade relations. A committed advocate for clean energy, Dinesh sits on the Strategy Board of the Global Solar Council. He is Chair of Copper Beech Group, which backs renewable energy ventures in Europe and India, including solar and hydrogen energy companies in Romania.

A first-generation immigrant, Dinesh has lived and worked in 17 countries. Born in Australia to an Indian diplomat, Dinesh moved to the UK, where he studied law at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge. In recognition of his support for the college, including endowing three permanent fellowships, he was appointed a Benefactor Fellow of Fitzwilliam College in 2022.

Through his wider philanthropy, Dinesh has donated generously to charitable causes. He is the founder of Shiksha and Chikitsa, NGOs supporting education and healthcare in India, and also supports charities such as Scope, the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and the LEPRA Society.

His books include, ‘Book It!’, the story of how he became an entrepreneur; ‘The Indian Century’, which explores UK-India trade; and ‘Where the World Moves’, a reflection on the benefits migrants bring to their host countries.

Today, Dinesh Dhamija is recognised as a respected thought leader and speaker, known for his insights on entrepreneurship, sustainability, UK-India trade relations, and the positive impact of migration. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Dinesh Dhamija’s Newsfeed

Eastern Eye

Great time for Britain to join Indian growth gravy train, say business leaders

Dinesh Dhamija’s Background

Copper Beech Group

Founder & Chairman

2006 - Present

Copper Beech Group manages investments in sustainable projects in Europe and India. The company is currently involved in running the biggest solar and hydrogen energy companies in Romania.

ebookers.com

Founder, Chairman and CEO

1999 - 2005

ebookers.com was the first internet travel company in the UK and Europe and went on to achieve FTSE 250 status on the London Stock Exchange. The firm grew rapidly and ultimately created 2,000 jobs, achieving sales of more than $1 billion with offices in 12 European countries. After an initial investment of $5 million, Dinesh sold ebookers.com for $471 million in 2005.

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Current Board Positions

Global Solar Council

Director, Business Strategy

Apr 2025 - Present

The Global Solar Council (GSC) is a non-profit association founded in 2015, uniting the global solar PV industry to accelerate solar deployment through policy advocacy, knowledge exchange, and capacity building worldwide.

Philanthropy

The Dinesh Dhamija Fellowships

Donor

Cambridge, UK

Dinesh Dhamija has funded three Fellowships in his name at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge.

Shiksha Foundation

Founder

Shiksha Foundation is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) that helps to provide schooling for disadvantaged children in India. It also supports underprivileged communities in the areas of food and health.

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Interviews

India: A Story in the Making

Video interview

Jun 2024

International filmmaker and journalist, Loveena Tandon, talks to Dinesh as part of her podcast series ‘India: A Story in the Making’.

The Mohua Show: Business to Politics & UK-India Relations with Dinesh Dhamija

Video interview

May 2024

Dinesh talks to author, podcaster, voice-over artist and branding specialist, Mohua Chinappa, and shares insights from his book, "The Indian Century," discussing India's growing global influence. The episode touches on the complexities of India-UK trade negotiations, the significance of skilled immigration for the UK, and the role of returning business capital to India's economy.

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Thought Leadership

LinkedIn Articles

Blog posts

Dinesh’s LinkedIn articles reflect his expertise as a green entrepreneur, former politician, and advocate for UK-India trade. His blogs address renewable energy trends, international trade, and the socio-economic impacts of migration.

Global Solar Council: Bright Ideas Blog

Author

Jul 2024

Dinesh Dhamija's contribution to the Global Solar Council's Bright Ideas blog, titled "Renewables Approach Tipping Point," offers an analysis of the global shift towards renewable energy.

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Publications

Where the World Moves

Author

Jan 2025

In his third book, ‘Where the World Moves’, Dinesh Dhamija, writing from the perspective of an immigrant, presents a compelling case that migration is a catalyst for economic growth and cultural vitality, rather than a threat to national prosperity. Through a blend of personal insight and empirical analysis, he challenges prevailing narratives and highlights the contributions migrants make to their host societies.

The Indian Century

Author

Feb 2024

In 'The Indian Century', Indian entrepreneur Dinesh Dhamija sets out a bold vision for India’s rise as a global economic leader. Drawing on his deep cultural ties and international business experience, he highlights major opportunities for innovation, investment, and growth. Published by Finito in 2024, the book combines strategic insight with a strong personal perspective.

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Memberships

The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists

Freeman

May 2024 - Present

London, UK

A Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists is an IT professional engaged in charitable, educational, and industry initiatives, fostering fellowship within the City of London's livery tradition.

The Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs

Freeman

Mar 2024 - Present

London, UK

A Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs is someone who has established and run successful businesses. Membership recognises their entrepreneurial achievements and aligns them with the Company's mission to promote excellence in entrepreneurship, support the City of London, foster fellowship among entrepreneurs, and contribute to charitable initiatives that support business education and development.

Awards & Recognition

1869 Fellow Benefactor, Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge

Appointee

2022

Cambridge, UK

In recognition of Dinesh's generous funding of three Fellowships, Fitzwilliam College appointed Dinesh Dhamija an 1869 Fellow Benefactor, only the fifth in the college’s history. 1869 Fellow Benefactors become Companions of the Guild of Cambridge Benefactors, and enjoy all the benefits of an Honorary Fellow.

Management Today

Winner, Entrepreneur of the Year Award

2003

London, UK

Public Service

Liberal Democrats

Member

2014 - Present

Dinesh joined the UK's LIberal Democrats in 2014 and served first as a Business Adviser, and then as Deputy Treasurer of the party.

European Parliament

Member of the European Parliament (MEP)

May 2019 - Dec 2020

Strasbourg, FR

Dinesh Dhamija represented London in the European Parliament for the UK's Liberal Democrats. He served as President of the India Desk for the European Union and chaired the EU’s India delegation. He was actively involved in trade talks before leaving the European Parliament as a result of Brexit.

Speaking Engagements

Why The UK-India Relationship Matters? Opportunities For The Financial Centre Of The World

Speaker

May 2024

As part of the 695th Lord Mayor's Lectures, Dinesh Dhamija examines the reasons why India will dominate the 21st Century, just as Great Britain dominated the 19th century and the United States the 20th.

Dinesh Dhamija

Keynote Speaker

Dinesh Dhamija is much sought after as a speaker for his views on business and trade, and contributes strategic insight to key issues such as entrepreneurship, and the pressing need for a British India trade deal.

Charitable Interests

Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

Supporter

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (now known as The Churchill Fellowship) is a UK charity that was founded by public donation in 1965 as the living legacy of Sir Winston Churchill. The charity offers UK citizens the opportunity to discover new ideas and best practices from around the world, and to implement those ideas in the UK.

Scope

Supporter

Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales. The charity campaigns to create a more equal and fairer society and provides practical information and support.

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Mentoring

TiE Global

Vice Chair, Global Board

Jan 2018 - Dec 2022

The Indus Entrepreneurs (or TiE) was founded by senior executives with roots in the Indus region to foster entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, funding and incubation.