Speaker profile

Saurabh Rai

Global Brand Operations & Business Development
Beyond Green

Executive Vice President, South & South East Asia, Middle East, Africa and Australasia
Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Based out of Dubai, Saurabh Rai is the Executive Vice President – South & South East Asia, Middle East, Africa and Australasia, for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, leading the business and brand development in the region, overseeing offices in Dubai, Singapore, New Delhi, Cape Town and Sydney. He also leads Global Brand Operations and Business Development for Beyond Green.

Since joining the company in early 2008, he augmented the group’s presence in the region to a six-fold expansion, currently overseeing about a quarter of company’s global portfolio. With impetus on growth in Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, he is successfully spearheading and ramping up company’s portfolio development in the region. Nominated by Forbes for “40 under 40” in 2020 and ranked among the "Power 100 - Top 100 most influential people in the hospitality industry" by Hotelier India 2016 & 2013, he anchored the global launch of Beyond Green and has been directly responsible for developing and consolidating strategic business partnerships with iconic industry brands across the eastern hemisphere.

A dynamic leader with a deep understanding of global business environment. Keen and strategic thinker with a proven P&L Maximization, Business Development and Brand Management record in mature and emerging markets, with an ability to lead large multicultural and cross functional teams with diverse skill sets. A passionate father & husband, and a high energy service industry professional. A connoisseur of luxury experiences, traveled across over 50 countries and counting. Alumnus of the Harvard Business School and a member of YPO.