In the high-stakes world of global hospitality, few names carry the quiet gravitas of Rakesh Sarna. For over three decades, he was the man behind the curtain, steering luxury brands, orchestrating turnarounds, and shaping the guest experience across continents. But today, Sarna’s story is no longer just about five-star hotels and corporate strategy. It’s about something more enduring. Its a legacy built not only in boardrooms but also through his growing philanthropic efforts to empower the next generation through education and opportunity.
Born with a natural instinct for leadership and a deep respect for people, Sarna’s career began at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where he climbed the ranks over 35 years. His work took him from the Caribbean to the Middle East, from the Pacific to North America. He became known not just for his operational acumen, but for his ability to build cultures that valued clarity, motivation, and dignity. His leadership style was people-first, and that ethos followed him throughout his career.
In 2014, Sarna took the reins at Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the parent of the iconic Taj Hotels. The company was struggling, and the challenge was immense. But under Sarna’s leadership, IHCL underwent a transformation so profound that Harvard Business School turned it into a case study. Apart from fixing the numbers, he revived the soul of the brand. He brought a renewed focus on customer experience, employee morale, and operational excellence, helping the company regain its footing in a competitive market.
Then, at the height of his corporate success, Sarna did something unexpected. He stepped away.
Together with his wife, Mei Sarna who is also a veteran of the hospitality world, he enrolled in a Master’s program in Global Affairs at Florida International University. It was a move that surprised many, but for Sarna, it was a natural evolution. “We wanted to understand the world better,” he said in an interview. “Not just through the lens of business, but through the lens of humanity.”
Graduating in 2021, the Sarnas walked away with a mission along with their degrees.
They launched the Rakesh and Mei Sarna Scholarship programs, aimed at supporting students in both the United States and India. These scholarships aren’t just about tuition, they’re about belief. Belief in the power of education to change lives. Belief in young people to shape a better future. Belief in giving back. The programs are designed to support students who demonstrate not only academic promise but also a commitment to community and global citizenship. Recently the couple were honoured with a distinguished alumni achievemennt award by their alma mater, the Florida International University in recognition of positively impacting their profession, the community, and the university.
Rakesh and Mei Sarna
For Sarna, philanthropy doesn’t imply a retirement hobby, rather it’s a continuation of his life’s work. “Leadership is about service,” he believes. “And service doesn’t end when you leave the boardroom.”
Today, Sarna spends his time mentoring, supporting students, and staying engaged with global affairs. He has traded corner offices for classrooms, spreadsheets for scholarship applications. And in doing so, he has found a new kind of fulfillment that doesn’t come with a title, but with impact.
Rakesh Sarna’s journey is a reminder that success isn’t just about what you build. It’s also about what you leave behind.
