Sumeet Sabharwal Biography
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was born on March 9, 1973, in Mumbai, India. He grew up in a middle‑class family in the suburb of Powai, where education and hard work were always prized. Sumeet excelled in school, especially in mathematics and science, which led him to study engineering. After earning his engineering degree, he pursued an MBA that would prepare him for leadership roles. Sumeet Sabharwal was 52 years old as of 2025.
Sumeet’s academic path took him abroad to Paris, where he studied International Business at the Institut d’études politiques de Paris, and later back to India for a management course at IIM Kozhikode. His commitment to learning continued as he began doctoral research in management at NMIMS and completed an organizational leadership program at Harvard Business School. These achievements laid a strong foundation for a career that would span both aviation and corporate leadership.
Sumeet Sabharwal Career
Sumeet Sabharwal’s career began in the skies and later soared into boardrooms. In 1994, shortly after completing his engineering studies, Sumeet joined Air India as a pilot. His technical background and disciplined nature helped him master the complex world of aviation. Over the next two decades, he flew more than 8,000 hours on various aircraft, earning respect for his calm judgment and precise handling of high‑pressure situations. Colleagues recall his steady demeanor in cockpit emergencies and his dedication to mentoring younger pilots.
In parallel with his aviation career, Sumeet nurtured a passion for business and technology. He took on roles in human resources and operations at global firms such as Godrej Group, HDFC Bank, and Equifax. His ability to blend technical know‑how with people skills led to leadership positions at Excelity Global and OCS Group UK, where he managed P&L, digital innovation, and large senior teams.
In January 2022, Sumeet stepped into his current role as CEO of TeamLeaseHRtech Ltd, a subsidiary of TeamLease Group. Under his guidance, TeamLeaseHRtech has become one of India’s top providers of HR technology, serving over 3,500 organizations. He drives the company’s strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, profitability, and cutting‑edge solutions for talent acquisition, compliance, and employee engagement.
Sumeet Sabharwal Personal Life
Sumeet Sabharwal does not have a wife, and was never married. He is a sports and fitness enthusiast who finds balance through basketball and golf. He plays basketball weekly with friends, valuing teamwork and quick thinking on the court. Golf, which he enjoys monthly, teaches him discipline and timing—skills he applies to boardroom decisions. Sumeet is also an avid reader; his favorite works include The Bhagavad Gita, Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, and Jim Collins’s Good to Great. These books reflect his belief in purpose, resilience, and the principles of lasting success.
Family and community lie at the heart of Sumeet’s life. He lives in Powai with his father, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, an 88‑year‑old retired civil servant. Sumeet’s mother passed away over two years ago, and since then Sumeet has been the anchor for his father. His sister lives in Delhi with her family, and her two sons have followed their uncle’s footsteps by becoming pilots. Outside of work, Sumeet dedicates time to philanthropy through the International Association of Human Values. He volunteers to support education and wellbeing programs, believing that success carries a duty to uplift others.
Sumeet Sabharwal Death And Funeral
On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck when Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, serving as one of the two pilots on board, lost his life in the disaster. The crash claimed 241 lives, including fellow crew members and passengers. Captain Sabharwal was celebrated for his skill and experience; with over 8,000 flying hours, he had never before been involved in an accident. His father, Pushkaraj, described his son as “skilled, dedicated, and always calm under pressure.”
News of the crash reached their home in Powai late in the evening. A sombre atmosphere gripped the neighbourhood as family, friends, and local leaders gathered at the Sabharwal residence to offer condolences. Shiv Sena MLA Dilip Lande was among the first to arrive, sharing in the community’s grief. Outside the family home, Pushkaraj Sabharwal stood among mourners, tears mingling with pride as he recounted his son’s achievements and kind heart. The mortal remains of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal were brought home on June 15, 2025, in a quiet procession. A funeral ceremony followed Hindu rites, attended by hundreds of well‑wishers who came to honour the pilot and leader.
Weeks later, the Gujarat Home Minister announced that DNA matching had identified 125 victims of the crash, including Captain Sabharwal. Families of more than 80 identified victims had already received remains by mid‑July. Memorial services were held at the Indian High Commission in London, where dignitaries like Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami and UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner paid tribute alongside the Indian diaspora. In Mumbai, a private ceremony at the Powai home marked the final farewell. Sumeet’s legacy as both a compassionate CEO and a courageous pilot remains vivid in the hearts of colleagues, family, and the many lives he touched.
Conclusion
Sumeet Sabharwal’s life was marked by dual excellence: in the skies as a revered Air India captain and on the ground as a visionary CEO leading India’s HR technology revolution. His journey from engineering student to MBA graduate, from cockpit mentor to corporate strategist, showcases a rare blend of technical skill and human empathy. Sumeet valued continuous learning, community service, and teamwork—qualities that defined every chapter of his story. Though his life was cut short in a tragic aviation accident, his impact endures through the believers he inspired, the innovations he championed, and the kindness he freely shared.
FAQs
What roles did Sumeet Sabharwal hold in his career?
He started as an Air India captain in 1994, accumulating over 8,000 flying hours. Later, he led senior teams at Godrej Group, HDFC Bank, Equifax, Excelity Global, and OCS Group UK before becoming CEO of TeamLeaseHRtech Ltd in January 2022.
What academic qualifications did Sumeet Sabharwal achieve?
Sumeet earned an engineering degree, an MBA, studied International Business in Paris, completed management courses at IIM Kozhikode, became a PhD scholar at NMIMS, and attended a leadership program at Harvard Business School.
What happened during the Air India crash that claimed his life?
On June 12, 2025, Boeing Dreamliner AI‑171 crashed after departing Ahmedabad, killing 241 people. DNA matching confirmed Captain Sabharwal among the deceased. His funeral in Powai followed Hindu rites and drew hundreds of mourners.
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