Global Education Management Systems (GEMS) began in 1968, with a single Indian primary school founded by Sunny Varkey’s parents. Thanks to the efforts of their son, that school is now a founding part of the largest network of private schools in the world, with 26 in total.
Educated at a British boarding school, Varkey took over the family business in 1980, running Our Own English High School, which catered to the children of Indian expatriates. With 27 teachers, the school was home to only 720 pupils. Today it has more than 7,000, a remarkable growth which is reflected across Varkey’s investments.
The Dubai-based entrepreneur has developed and established a network of private, international schools and GEMS is now represented in Europe, the Middle East, the UK, India and the US.
Varkey also has interests in the healthcare sector including a string of private hospitals and clinics under the Welcare World brand. The firm also specialises in healthcare management and consultancy.
Varkey has received numerous accolades for his efforts in the fields of education and healthcare and has also been recognised for his humanitarian pursuits.
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