From the Editor
  • Son of Indian expat teachers, who migrated to Dubai in 1959, Sunny Varkey controls GEMS Education, one of the world's largest operators of K-12 schools.
  • The private education firm secured CVC Capital Partners as its key investor in 2019. CVC is selling a part of is stake.
  • Sons Dino and Jay run GEMS as group CEO and deputy CEO, respectively.
  • In June 2024, a consortium of investors led by Canadian investment outfit Brookfield, agreed to buy a 30% stake from existing investors, including CVC Partners and Malaysia's Khazanah Nasional.
Wealth History
HOVER TO REVEAL NET WORTH BY YEAR
Personal Stats
Age
68
Source of Wealth
Education
Residence
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Citizenship
India
Marital Status
Married
Children
2
Did you know
Varkey, who never went beyond high school himself, took over the management of his parents' Our Own English School in 1980 at age 23.
GEMS has instituted three awards to recognize outstanding teachers, including one named after Varkey's mother.
In Their Own Words

I don't believe in giving up even when I hit a hard wall.

Sunny Varkey
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