MUMBAI: It’s not just the retail footfall that’s picking up speed at South City Mall—the boardroom is getting busier too. In a fresh power move after Blackstone’s acquisition of Kolkata’s flagship shopping destination, the mall has roped in seasoned real estate leader Amit Kumar as executive director.
Kumar will oversee leasing, marketing and operations at South City Mall, bringing with him over 20 years of hands-on experience in retail leasing, commercial real estate and mall strategy. Known for steering large-format retail assets into high-performing zones, he has previously held leadership roles across some of India’s top retail portfolios.
“South City Mall has always been synonymous to retail and lifestyle experiences in Kolkata. I am excited to be part of this new chapter as we work towards elevating the mall’s offerings, strengthening partnerships with retailers, and enhancing customer experiences. With the backing from Blackstone, the expertise of the team at Nexus Malls and South City Mall’s strong foundation, I look forward to contributing to its continued success and growth”, Kumar said.
His appointment is part of the ongoing overhaul under Nexus Select Trust, the retail arm of Blackstone in India, which now owns South City Mall. Nexus Select Trust president, operations, Jayen Naik welcomed the move, “South City Mall represents a significant part of Blackstone’s growing retail footprint in India. We welcome Amit to the Blackstone and Nexus Select Trust team, and we are confident that Amit’s leadership will further enhance its potential. His extensive experience in Indian Retail will help drive long-term value for both our retail partners and the shoppers of Kolkata”.
With Kumar now leading the charge, all eyes are on South City Mall’s next phase. Industry watchers expect a sharper focus on category diversification, tenant curation, and omni-channel retail experiences tailored to Kolkata’s evolving customer base.
The move also highlights Blackstone’s strategy of not just acquiring marquee retail assets, but doubling down on leadership and execution to unlock long-term value. As footfalls grow and competition stiffens, South City Mall appears to be gearing up for a retail playbook upgrade—with Kumar on the frontlines.