Old Asia hand Kharegat dies

<p>Former Asia director of The Economist, Shapur Kharegat, has died in </p><p>London, aged 68. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Mr Kharegat, one of the last great colonial characters, was known </p><p>throughout the ad industry in the region, probably as much for his </p><p>imperious nature and devotion to fine dining as for his business </p><p>impact. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The Economist publisher David Hanger said Mr Kharegat would be </p><p>remembered as "a huge character who travelled the world in his own </p><p>inimitable style. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>He argued the case for the business side to enter Asia long before many </p><p>of us realised its potential, and made all of the early running to </p><p>develop the region ahead of many of our rivals." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Mr Kharegat retired from his fulltime position with The Economist in </p><p>1992 and although beset by illness over the last few years, still </p><p>travelled to Asia regularly. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>