Name: Zubin Karkaria
Designation: Founder & CEO
Company: VFS Global
An economic value creator, Zubin’s success lies in his sharp entrepreneurial sense combined with organisation-building skills and a deep understanding of global business dynamics. Zubin is not only a visionary global lead – er but also deeply attuned to the evolving technological landscape. Zubin Karkaria’s greatest achievement is the conception and remarkable growth of VFS Global into the world’s leading outsourced visa, passport, and consular services specialist, as well as a global leader in trusted technology services. As of 31 December 2025, the company serves 69 client governments through 4,023 application centres across 166 countries.
The company has handled over 528 million applications since its inception. Most recently, the company acquired a majority stake in CiX Citizen Experience, a top Latin American citizen services provider. In 2016, Zubin was made Chevalier dans l’Ordre National du Mérite by French President François Hollande for three decades of contributions to French travel and tourism. Recognised for his expertise, he has served on the WTTC Executive Committee since December 2022 and joined India’s National Tourism Advisory Council in June 2023. Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global is a Blackstone portfolio company, with minority stakes held by Temasek, Switzerland-based Kuoni & Hugentobler Foundation, and UAE-based Dubai Holding.
