Rakesh and Mei Sarna are global hospitality leaders whose distinguished careers and shared commitment to education and service have left an enduring mark on the industry and the communities they support.
Rakesh Sarna is a seasoned global leader with nearly 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Over 35 years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, he held senior leadership roles across the Caribbean, Middle East, Pacific, Far East, Europe and North America, eventually serving as Chief Operating Officer – International and Group President of the Americas. From 2014 to 2017, he served as Managing Director and CEO of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), parent company of Taj Hotels. His work leading a major cultural and financial turnaround at IHCL became the subject of a Harvard Business School Case Study. Known for his clear thinking, motivational leadership and commitment to sincere service and mutual respect, Rakesh earned his Master of Arts in Global Affairs from the FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs in 2021, a degree he proudly completed alongside his wife, Mei Sarna.
Mei Sarna is an accomplished global hospitality leader with over 25 years of experience with premier luxury brands including Four Seasons and Hyatt Hotels. She also served as a senior advisor in brand development and service excellence for luxury hotels and airlines across Switzerland, Oman, Russia, Abu Dhabi, Thailand and India. Mei is also a passionate advocate for education and global citizenship. Sharing her husband's commitment to lifelong learning, Mei earned her Master of Arts in Global Affairs from the FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs in 2021, to further strengthen her ability to drive positive change.
Together, the Sarnas have established the Rakesh and Mei Sarna Scholarship programs to support students in the U.S. and India, reflecting their deep belief in the transformative power of education. Through their philanthropy, they aim to create pathways for talented, driven students who are committed to making an impact in their communities and beyond. Their scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also serve as a source of inspiration, encouraging recipients to pursue bold ideas and foster meaningful global connections. The Sarnas’ enduring connection to FIU is rooted in a spirit of giving back and a desire to empower future leaders to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.