His journey into the hospitality industry was serendipitous. He began his career in the BPO sector, but the 2008 economic crisis led to his layoff. Seeking temporary employment, he started working in a hotel, initially intending to return to the BPO industry once it stabilized. However, he discovered a passion for revenue management and decided to pursue it as a permanent career.

With over two decades of experience, he has worked in various operational and revenue management roles, gaining a comprehensive understanding of hotel management and revenue optimization. His early career was marked by a hands-on approach, which provided him with the skills necessary to excel in his field.

Joining Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts was a pivotal moment for him. His innovative strategies and meticulous planning have significantly contributed to the company’s growth in the regions he oversees. He leverages data-driven insights to enhance pricing strategies, optimize distribution channels, and improve overall profitability. His ability to adapt to changing market conditions and anticipate industry trends has been instrumental in achieving sustainable growth for the properties under his management.

He believes in the philosophy that ‘True Success cannot be just individual success but needs to be inclusive and contribute to others’ success too.’ This belief drives his commitment to mentoring his team and fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. His dedication to professional development ensures that his team is well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the hospitality industry, contributing to the overall success of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts.

Beyond his professional achievements, he is a staunch advocate for sustainable tourism. He actively promotes environmentally responsible practices within the industry, recognizing the importance of sustainability for future growth. His holistic approach to revenue management and his unwavering commitment to sustainability have earned him recognition as a thought leader in the hospitality sector.

He continues to inspire and lead with a vision that prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and excellence, making him a true achiever in the world of hospitality.

His leadership was instrumental in developing Meta’s anti-scraping data platform, which processes over 12 petabytes of data daily, setting industry benchmarks for data security and resource optimization.

Formerly, he led significant projects at Volkswagen’s Automotive Cloud and at Microsoft, where he architected Azure’s intelligence platform handling 16 terabytes of data daily. His innovative approaches have empowered companies like Ferrari, British Airways, and PepsiCo to enhance their data-driven decision-making processes. His expertise extends into AI, having developed several AI-driven products that enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement.

An esteemed speaker and a thought leader, he has shared his insights on leveraging AI in data management at numerous conferences and webinars. He is also a mentor, guiding future talents in big data and AI technologies. His scholarly contributions are notable, with several published articles in peer-reviewed journals on topics like AI-powered self-healing systems, ensuring cloud compliance through machine learning, and AI-driven analytics for real-time decision-making. These publications underscore his deep commitment to advancing technological innovation and academic discourse.

Currently, as a Software Engineering Lead at Meta Platforms, he continues to drive technological innovation, making significant contributions to the field of data science and engineering, aiming for a transformative impact on a global scale. His work not only advances his field but also serves as a beacon for future generations of engineers and data scientists.

Drawn to the epicenter of technological innovation, he pursued a degree in Computer Science from Duke University. Here, he immersed himself in cutting-edge research, collaborating with esteemed professors and peers in various labs, including the Big Ideas Lab and the Humans and Autonomy Lab. His projects were diverse and impactful, ranging from developing AI-driven health and fitness applications to creating digital aids for individuals with ADHD. These experiences solidified his passion for technology and its potential to solve real-world problems.

His exceptional talent and technical acumen earned him a prestigious internship at Meta. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, he excelled, working on critical projects from developing end-to-end machine learning algorithms to enhancing user data privacy and accessibility. His successful internship culminated in a full-time offer, marking his entry into Meta, one of the world’s leading tech companies. At Meta, his contributions have been nothing short of transformative. His projects focused on enhancing user experience and fortifying data privacy protocols, impacting millions globally. His ability to navigate complex technological challenges and deliver innovative solutions underscores his exceptional problem-solving skills and dedication. He wants to develop a cutting-edge algorithm to aid the drug discovery pipeline, showcasing his ongoing commitment to impactful innovation.

Beyond his corporate achievements, he is a passionate advocate for mentorship and education. His involvement in hackathons, where he guides aspiring technologists and refines their ideas, has made a significant impact. He has helped teams develop innovative solutions, such as posture correction devices and vape detectors, that address pressing societal issues. His guidance has inspired many young technologists to pursue their dreams and contribute to meaningful projects.

His influence extends into the realm of tech writing, where his scholarly articles and books delve into the intricacies of technological advancement. His publications in esteemed journals explore various facets of AI, healthcare, and product development, providing invaluable insights and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Notably, his book “Friendship Beyond Borders” has received widespread acclaim, offering profound insights into collaborative development within the tech sector. His work “Kaizen Disruption: Small Steps, Giant Leaps in Business and Technology” further cements his status as a thought leader, showcasing his understanding of incremental innovation and its application in business and technology.

His journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and innovation. His unwavering commitment to leveraging technology for societal good serves as an inspiration to aspiring technologists worldwide. Through his professional achievements, mentorship, and contributions to tech literature, he continues to illuminate pathways for others, demonstrating that with perseverance and creativity, the heights of global technological innovation are within reach.

She has completed an executive program in Human Resource Management from Harvard Business School. In 2019, she co-founded HumanAlpha Strategic Solution, embarking on a mission to revolutionize the HR landscape. Under her leadership, HumanAlpha has provided ROI-driven strategic HR and business consulting to over 50 startups and mid-sized brands worldwide.

Her vision for the company includes global expansion this year, taking its unique approach to new markets. A passionate advocate for growth and transformation, she is also an accomplished author. Her thought leadership book, “In Love with Growth,” co-authored with Mahesh Sheshadri, reflects her deep insights and innovative thinking.

Under her leadership, HumanAlpha has earned several recognitions, including being named one of the “10 Most Promising Human Capital Management Consultants – 2020” by Consultants Review, “India’s Most Admired Brand 2020” by White Page International in association with CNN-News 18 & Forbes India, and “10 Best Bangalore Women Startups – 2021” by Startup City (SiliconIndia). 

A coach, influencer, and visionary, she is committed to empowering talent and transforming organizations. Her knowledge and love of people make her a go-to expert for businesses trying to utilize their biggest asset – human capital.

She is a TEDx speaker, has contributed to over 200 articles in various HR disciplines, and is recognized as LinkedIn Top Voice 2024. She was on the Planning Committee of the International Leadership Association, for their Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belongingness Summit. She is a Visiting Faculty at Goa Institute of Management and Mody University of Science and Technology, for several years, where she teaches Diversity, Equity, and inclusion in the workplace, and the Co-Faculty for Talent Management, for 2023.

She is also a well-known social entrepreneur and community leader. As the Founder of the globally recognized, award-winning Ovenderful Mom Bakers Community for a decade, she has built a 40,000-member strong women’s network. Due to grassroots-level work in social impact, the enterprise was applauded by Sheryl Sandberg (COO, Facebook) for women making a difference in their communities, and she was recognized as 1 of the 8 most influential community leaders from Asia. Her community also works with The Freedom Project India and the Government of Karnataka, on skill development, to empower women rescued from human trafficking with knowledge of healthy baking and make them financially independent.

He started his career in financial services and worked with ICICI Bank and other NBFCs in the auto finance business. He is passionate about team management and has been instrumental in developing core business strategies to accelerate growth in various demographics in India.

He was instrumental in setting up the foundational platform for both commercial and retail finance, creating enduring relationships with manufacturers and customers, developing market-specific products, and significantly expanding business volume, personnel, and market share in the leading markets in India.

For the past 14 years, he has held diversified roles at BMW Group India. Currently, he is leading Business Development initiatives within the Customer Support department. His growth mindset approach has earned him great business results and consistently driven optimized operations in dynamic environments.

His commitment to professional growth is further demonstrated by earning the Top Voice badge in the LinkedIn community, where he actively contributes to collaborative articles, sharing his knowledge and experiences.

As he continues his professional journey, he remains dedicated to embracing new learnings in the digital transforming world and sharing his insights with the community. His career is a testament to the power of adaptability, continuous improvement, and the pursuit of excellence in every endeavor.

As a Vice President at Franchise India Holdings Limited, Rajesh has played a key role in the company’s success in Business Development, Franchise Expansion, Corporate/Retail Sales, Marketing, and Brand Building.

​​He is highly skilled in market/sales forecasting and strategizing to capitalize on business opportunities, his ability to nurture and expand existing client relationships has been instrumental in maintaining a loyal client base. He is known for his expertise in brand management and product launch operations, consistently achieving impressive growth rates & possesses a range of fundamental capabilities that contribute to his success.

He excels in identifying and securing business opportunities through strategic pitching and delivering tailored solutions. ​​ His leadership in sales and marketing has driven significant growth in sales figures and generated new business from existing clients and prospects.​​ He is also skilled in client engagement and service excellence, maintaining regular interaction with clients and implementing customer support initiatives to enhance market credibility.

Market analysis and strategy are areas where Rajesh excels. He conducts comprehensive market surveys and analyses to identify viable business opportunities and aligns them with targeted plans and lead-generation efforts.

​​His focus on revenue growth and team motivation has resulted in meeting revenue goals and business objectives. He oversees the management of existing accounts, ensuring timely service, account upgrades, and renewals to maintain a loyal client base.

​​His emphasis on client relationships and service quality has helped him cultivate effective relationships with key clients and achieve customer satisfaction for business growth. ​​ He has received numerous achievements and recognitions throughout his career. He has been awarded the Indian Achievers’ Award for Business Leadership in the franchising industry and has received the Branch of the Year trophy for exceptional branch performance and excellence.

​​His outstanding performance and contribution to the company have earned him the title of Achiever of the Year multiple times. He has successfully led the branch to achieve the highest profitability within the company.​​

In addition to his role at Franchise India Holdings Limited, he has held managerial positions at Meil Media and Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM, where he showcased his expertise in sales and marketing, client engagement, and innovative advertising solutions. He holds a Post Graduate Certification in Digital Marketing, Branding & Communication from MICA, an MBA in Marketing from the Institute for Technology and Management, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from Amravati University.

​​His strong educational background complements his extensive professional experience. His strategic vision, exceptional interpersonal skills, and ability to forge strong client relationships make him an asset to any organization dedicated to impactful growth.

His role involves overseeing the design, architecture, and implementation of secure, scalable cloud-based products in the messaging security group. By staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, he has driven product innovation and fostered a culture of excellence within our engineering teams. As Steve Jobs said, ‘Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.’

From his days as a rookie developer in college, captivated by technology and the thrill of solving complex problems, to now, with over 22 years of experience and multiple professional certifications, his passion for tackling intricate challenges remains undiminished. In his latest role, he is committed to building scalable products, managing people by valuing diverse perspectives, challenging the status quo, and maintaining a results-oriented approach.

His responsibilities include enabling and supporting scaled agile software development lifecycle processes for engineering teams, with a strong emphasis on continuous integration and delivery, best cloud engineering practices, trend-driven analysis, and value automation. This hands-on leadership position satisfies his passion for quality, security, technology, and innovation while ensuring high visibility and involvement in every aspect of product development. By promoting open communication and leveraging data-driven insights, we have optimized workflows, increased productivity, and enhanced the quality of our products and services. In advancing technological solutions, he has focused on integrating AI/ML technologies to address evolving email threats. His work impacts millions of users globally.

Beyond his professional achievements, he has made significant contributions to the community. Recognized as a top system development voice on LinkedIn, he has authored articles on system architecture and scalability and served as a speaker at various Agile Community, Software Engineering, and Product Engineering events. He has also contributed to educational initiatives, delivering technical talks at universities and the Indian Navy, and mentoring professionals and team members at Sophos India. He firmly believes, ‘The more you give, the more you get.’

His global influence spans multiple countries, where he has collaborated with leading technology companies to drive innovation and expand market reach. This international exposure has enriched his perspective and enabled him to make a substantial impact on the software industry worldwide.

In summary, his journey is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to innovation, and a dedication to empowering teams to reach their full potential. This award is a testament to the hard work and passion that drive him to contribute positively to the cybersecurity space and beyond.

At Intercontinental Exchange, he has been instrumental in driving forward the organization’s technological advancements. His work involves not only the design and implementation of robust software systems but also building and executing performance engineering frameworks to ensure these systems can handle the demands of global clearing exchanges.

Beyond his primary role, he has made significant contributions to the professional development of others in the field. He built and conducted certification programs to train junior engineers, equipping them with the skills to master performance engineering. This initiative has helped cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals who continue to drive innovation in the industry. In addition to his professional achievements, he is actively involved in the academic and research community. He volunteers as a reviewer and editor for scientific research journals, ensuring the dissemination of high-quality research. He has also published peer-reviewed articles on popular information technology websites, sharing his insights and advancements with a broader audience.

His career is marked by a series of successful projects that have not only met but exceeded expectations, reinforcing his reputation as a leader in the industry. His story is one of dedication, innovation, and a constant drive to push the boundaries of what is possible in software performance engineering.

Prior to these roles, he gained valuable experience as the Senior Vice President and Country Head of Administration & Procurement at Sharekhan Ltd, a 100 percent subsidiary of the French Multinational Bank, BNP Paribas.

With a rich educational background, he holds an MBA in HR, a B. Com degree, and a Doctorate in Management Studies. He is also a qualified Interior Designer, a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and holds certifications in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from the University of Houston, as well as Certified Scrum Manager. Further, he is a Fellow with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in London, a Member of Leaders Excellence at Harvard Square, and a Certified Green Building Professional from the Assocham Gem Green Building Council.

He is recognized as a core professional in administration, procurement, and infrastructure. His expertise extends to being a distinguished speaker within his fraternity, with numerous accomplishments and acknowledgments in the field. Notably, he was selected as a core member of the Group Admin Forum by ICICI Bank and has received various awards for his contributions.

Beyond his corporate roles, he is actively involved in industry associations and academia. He serves as an Honorary Board Member for iNFHRA, a not-for-profit association dedicated to the betterment and promotion of the Facility Management, Administration, Travel, and Corporate Real Estate sectors. Additionally, he is an advisory board member of the Indian Institute of Business Management and Studies and a part of the Central Leadership of GACS, the Global Association for Corporate Services. In these roles, he contributes to knowledge management, crisis support, and networking opportunities for professionals in corporate services globally.

Dr. Sarkar is a sought-after speaker at conferences and seminars, sharing insights on various topics such as Admin & Facility, Infrastructure, Travel, Security, Technology, Real Estate, and Procurement. His leadership and expertise have been recognized through features in magazines like Commercial Design, where he was acknowledged as one of India’s Best Facility Heads.

As a public figure and industry thought leader, he actively contributes to the industry through articles on Facility Management, Travel, Infrastructure, Procurement, Security Management, Sustainability & Green Building, Real Estate, and more. His commitment to knowledge sharing is further demonstrated through his involvement in management schools, where he provides guidance to students on career aspects and the corporate world.

In summary, he is a multifaceted professional with a stellar track record, making significant contributions to the industry through leadership, speaking engagements, publications, and educational initiatives.