Dr Tharshiny Pankaj

Group CEO, Regent Global · Principal, Regent College London

Building globally respected institutions that unite education, enterprise, innovation, and character under one transformative vision.

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The Journey

From refugee to global education leader

Dr Tharshiny Pankaj arrived in the United Kingdom at the age of thirteen, fleeing civil war in Sri Lanka. She went on to earn a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science from Brunel University in 1999 — becoming the first person in her family to graduate.

In 1999, she founded Regent Independent College with her husband Selva and his late father: Regent Global (opens in a new tab) was born. From a single educational institution, Regent Global has evolved into an international group operating across higher education, digital universities, real estate, investment, AI, and innovation.

As Principal of Regent College London (opens in a new tab), Dr Pankaj has built a reputation for dedication to excellence, innovation and inclusivity. Her strategic leadership has driven governance transformation and financial acumen, earning recognition from the Office for Students through the National Student Survey and the Teaching Excellence Framework.

Founded 1999

Over 25 Years of Regent Global

Leadership Philosophy

One Regent

Dr Pankaj's leadership is guided by the principle of “One Regent” — a unified operating model where every division reflects shared values of excellence, integrity, inclusion, and ambition.

Her approach combines:

→Academic rigour
→Financial discipline
→Governance strength
→Strategic international expansion
→Innovation-led growth

Under her leadership, Regent Global celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024 and continues to expand across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

Dr Tharshiny Pankaj at the GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards

Education

Expanding Access with Integrity

Education remains at the core of Dr Pankaj's leadership.

Regent College London

Higher Education · UK & Dubai

A nationally recognised provider of flexible, career-focused degrees in Business, Law, Computing, Health and related disciplines — combining academic quality with evening, weekend and multiple intake pathways. In August 2025, RCL launched a University Study Centre in Dubai with INTO University Partnerships.

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Regent European University (REU)

Digital International University · San Marino

A fully digital university launched in 2025, broadening access to globally recognised higher education. Dr Pankaj serves as CEO; its flagship Global MBA equips professionals worldwide.

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Regent College London

Malta & India · 2026

Under Dr Pankaj's international expansion strategy, Regent College London will open study centres in Malta and India in 2026, extending UK degree provision to new global markets.

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Gulf Indian High School (GIHS)

Dubai, UAE

Acquired in 2024, GIHS is one of the oldest schools in the UAE. Under Dr Pankaj's strategic direction, improvements prompted regulatory encouragement for expansion.

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Regent Institute Middle East

TVET · Dubai

Technical and vocational education in Dubai, providing career-focused programmes validated by Pearson.

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Woldingham School Dubai

K–12 British Curriculum · Dubai

A new K–12 British curriculum school in partnership with Woldingham School (UK), expanding Regent Global's presence in independent schooling.

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Regent American University

Digital University · United States · 2026

A further digital university in the United States, welcoming its first students in 2026.

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Regent Hill University

New British University · Subject to Approval

A state-of-the-art new British university with an emphasis on a mindset shift to unleash human natural intelligence, subject to approval.

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Innovation & Artificial Intelligence

Technology-led transformation

Innovation is central to Dr Pankaj's long-term vision for Regent Global.

Ride21 Innovation Hubs

Launched 2024

Ride21 (Regent Imagination Design and Execution 21) operates innovation hubs in London, New York, San Francisco and Dubai — where brilliant minds come together to tackle real-world challenges using the latest technology, including AI.

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AI Regent plc (AIR)

Artificial Intelligence

Focuses on how organisations can use AI, supporting Regent Global's commitment to integrating natural and artificial intelligence.

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Enterprise, Tourism & Investment

Strategic diversification

Dr Pankaj's leadership extends beyond education into strategic diversification.

Regent Connect

Launched 2024

A tourism and global connectivity initiative supporting Dubai's D33 ambitions, strengthening international engagement and business connectivity with the UAE.

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Let's Ride

Launching 2025

Building on the innovation foundation of Ride21, a 2025 initiative designed to accelerate opportunity creation across Regent Global's ecosystem.

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Regent Real Estate

Property Development & Investment

Working in residential and commercial property development and investments in the UK, UAE, USA and Sri Lanka.

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Regent Investment Management

Strategic Investment

A boutique investment firm with share investments and an outsourcing management company. It is exploring several joint ventures globally.

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Regent Talent Exchange (RTX)

Global Mobility

Kickstarts careers through J-1 visas to the USA.

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Dubai Global Forum (DGF)

Economic Bridge · Dubai

Working towards establishing a Dubai Global Forum to become an economic bridge between Dubai and global markets.

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Regent Lifestyle Dubai

Lifestyle & Business Services · UAE

A lifestyle and business services company dedicated to making life in the UAE seamless, enjoyable and rewarding. It offers a range of services including real estate and tourism.

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In Conversation

Speaking & interviews

Selected speaking engagements, interviews, and institutional showcases.

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Global Recognition

Awards & honours

2025

WEF New Champion Community Choice Award

World Economic Forum — November 2025

2025

Social Entrepreneur of the Year

GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards

2025

Honorary Doctorate

Regent European University

2025

Asian Rich List

Eastern Eye

2024

World Economic Forum (WEF) Membership

World Economic Forum

2024

CEO of the Year

GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards

2024

GG2 Power List

GG2 / Eastern Eye

2024

Asian Rich List

Eastern Eye

2023

GG2 ED&I Award for Excellence in Education

GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards

2022

Top 100 Fastest-Growing Education Companies

The Times

2020

Runner-up, Asian Women of Achievement Awards

Asian Women of Achievement

2019

Asian Power Couple Hot 100 List

Eastern Eye

Dr Tharshiny Pankaj — Forbes India Asia's 100 to Watch 2025

Partnerships & Global Impact

Social impact & philanthropy

Under the leadership of Dr Tharshiny Pankaj, Regent Global actively collaborates with respected global organisations to advance youth development, education access, leadership, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.

These partnerships reflect our belief that meaningful collaboration drives long-term societal impact.

Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

Dr Pankaj has been an SG70 member since October 2023, supporting youth development programmes that build life skills, resilience and leadership worldwide.

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British Asian Trust

As a patron of the British Asian Trust, Dr Pankaj collaborates to deliver social and economic impact programmes across South Asia, improving education, livelihoods and opportunity.

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Indiaspora

Connecting with a global network of leaders of Indian origin to drive positive change across communities worldwide.

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Inner Spark

Supporting creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among young people.

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Dr Tharshiny Pankaj at the Duke of Edinburgh's Award ceremony

Gujarat Partners

Working with regional partners in Gujarat to advance education and skills initiatives aligned with long-term community development.

Public Learn

A platform for discovering free online courses from leading institutions, gifted to the Sri Lankan people.

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EshareLife Foundation

Dr Pankaj is a supporter of EshareLife Foundation.

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Global Unity Dinner (GUD)

Fostering unity, reconciliation and forgiveness since 2017.

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Pankaj Foundation

Brings together the Pankaj family's philanthropic activities.

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Industry & Innovation Partnerships

Driving economic impact

Regent Global partners with industry leaders to drive innovation, infrastructure development and economic impact.

Tratos

Partnering on sustainable infrastructure, advanced technology and innovation projects supporting long-term economic growth.

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Asian Media Group

Collaborating on media and engagement initiatives that connect and inspire Asian communities globally.

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Global Leadership & Thought Networks

Shaping policy & education

Regent Global actively participates in global policy and leadership platforms to shape the future of education, AI and sustainable development.

World Economic Forum

Regent Global was invited to join the World Economic Forum as a New Champion in 2024, recognising our contribution to sustainability, innovation and global development. In November 2025, Regent Global received the WEF New Champion Community Choice Award.

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World Government Summit

Strategic partner in the Universities Global Challenge, an annual prize supporting human-centred AI research presented at the World Government Summit.

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India Global Forum

Partnering on the Future of Education, integrating natural and artificial intelligence to strengthen India–UK collaboration.

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Tiger 21

Engaging with a trusted peer network of global leaders to exchange insight and explore international investment opportunities.

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Harpin Business Leader

Championing leadership development and fostering meaningful connections between global business leaders.

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A New Initiative

The Pankaj Award to End Conflict

Opens

11 April 2026

Deadline

15 June 2026

Apply for the Award

Regent Global has committed $250,000 to celebrate and accelerate the impact of young leaders preventing and resolving conflict around the world.

A new era of conflict is spreading — driven by identity, ignorance, and inequality — while established institutions too often perpetuate its causes rather than solving them. The Pankaj Award recognises young leaders tackling conflict at its roots and creating unity within and between communities torn apart by division.

Finalists recognised for demonstrated impact

→Providing solutions to end or prevent conflict at local, national, or regional levels
→Increasing awareness and understanding between communities through dialogue and education
→Preventing the outbreak and escalation of violence within and between communities
→Empowering and protecting the rights of marginalised and oppressed groups
→Implementing sustainable peacebuilding measures to prevent re-emergence of conflict

Regent Global and One Young World will identify ten finalists. An independent expert judging panel — announced at the 2026 Global Unity Dinner hosted by Regent Global on 26 June — will select the inaugural winner.

A Family Business with Global Ambition

Long-term stewardship & global identity

Tharshiny and her husband and business partner Selva are a package. They need one another to reach their mutual goals and achieve the Regent vision. Their eldest daughter Sharanie leads the next generation Regent Global team, while youngest daughter Dharanie has also joined the business on a part-time basis while she completes her university studies.

Citizenship & Global Identity

Dr Pankaj is a British citizen and holds residencies in: