In Memoriam: Peter Rahaman, Who Brought Call Center to VisitBritain and British Humor to the U.S.

It is with great sadness that TMR shares the news that the beloved and consummate professional Peter Rahaman passed away peacefully surrounded by family, cracking jokes, sharing stories and making peace on Oct. 15.

His passing followed a brave experience battling bone cancer. As in life, Peter met his fate with courage, humor and a sensibility that could help others in the same predicament.

As recently as April, he blogged an item on the amputee coalition site sharing both his fears and his willingness to face the next challenge.

A native of Britain, the dashing and handsome Peter Rahaman began his career in the U.K working in finance in the film industry before moving into publishing and the travel industry in the U.S.

Initially, he worked as the controller with Travellers International in Europe and the U.S. This escorted coach operator managed clients such as TWA Getaway Europe and the Middle East, British Airways, Cunard Cruises, SAS, Travellers Charters and Ocean Cruise Lines.

Peter had extensive experience in the North American travel industry with management positions in finance, human resources, information technology, operations, customer service, marketing and sales. Throughout his career, Peter has been responsible for the development and operation of a number of pioneering programs with VisitBritain.

With the team in New York, he built a North American call center using technology, and developed a work environment focused on exceptional customer service and CRM techniques using the latest in global and virtual customer contact operations. These customer service standards and technology were adopted throughout VisitBritain offices worldwide.

“All the BTA and VisitBritain family are saddened to hear of Peter’s untimely death.  Reading the many condolence messages on Facebook paints a rich picture of a popular colleague and much-loved family man. Peter had a wonderful sense of humor, and was always kind and courteous. He will be much missed,” wrote Sandie Dawe, former CEO of VisitBritain and currently, trustee culture Perth & Kinross, director London & Partners, chair kids in museums, member London Committee Heritage Lottery Fund.

From April 2005, he served as the VP of Operations for Rail Europe Incorporated (REI), which has been in North America for more than 75 years and comprises 190 staff in two locations.

There, he was responsible for developing, training, innovation, and providing ISO quality standards for a staff of 100 employees in Chicago, with sales of $190 million annually. He was in charge of development and operations of varied sales channels for voice and web bookings.

From October 2008, he was promoted to VP sales North America. Based out of the corporate HQ in White Plains, he was responsible for trade relations with his external sales force and internal sales support and training group. He also headed up the groups department that worked with tour operators and agents.

An entry for Wayne’s World, where he worked most recently as vice president business development at Wayne’s World Media Group, LLC, states: “He enjoys watching English soccer and playing tennis and cycling.” More than any of these, Peter enjoyed a good joke, a cold beer and his family, especially his wife Monique and his wide global circle of friends. He will be missed dearly. Beloved father, husband, uncle, friend, and colleague — we have lost a wonderful man too soon.