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Tag: Real Estate

  • TDI Infracorp bets on data-driven boss to crack Delhi’s property market

    TDI Infracorp bets on data-driven boss to crack Delhi’s property market

    NEW DELHI: New Delhi’s property developers love talking about transparency. Rajat Bokolia actually means it. On 7 October, TDI Infracorp appointed him group chief executive across its three entities—TDI Infracorp, TDI Infrastructure and Newstone—betting that his data-driven approach can navigate the national capital region’s (NCR’s) notoriously fickle real estate market.

    Bokolia brings 20 years of experience in NCR property, most recently as chief operating officer at Assotech Ltd. He’s also done stints at Raheja Developers, Unity Group’s Park Laureate Buildwell, and Jindal Realty, steering residential and commercial projects across the region. His reputation rests on an unusual skill in Indian real estate: reading market data and consumer trends, then acting on them.

    That matters in NCR, where developers often operate on gut instinct and buyer sentiment swings wildly between micro-markets. Bokolia’s pitch is different. He champions what he calls “educated buyers”—punters who make property decisions based on research, trends and long-term value rather than speculation or marketing fluff. It’s a philosophy that aligns neatly with TDI’s stated aim of customer-centricity, though execution will be the real test.

    Under Bokolia’s leadership, TDI plans to adopt a “data-first approach” using market research, predictive analytics and consumer insights to stay ahead of demand cycles. It’s the sort of corporate speak that sounds good on paper. Whether it translates into better projects and happier buyers depends on whether Bokolia can turn TDI’s sprawling residential, commercial and mixed-use portfolio into a more focused, responsive operation.

    “NCR is one of the most competitive and dynamic property markets in India, and success here depends on foresight, transparency, and execution backed by data,” Bokolia said. He’s not wrong. The question is whether TDI, like its peers, can resist the temptation to chase quick wins over sustainable growth. Bokolia’s track record suggests he might just pull it off.

  • Mipim names Nicolas Boffi as new director

    Mipim names Nicolas Boffi as new director

    PARIS: Rx France has appointed Nicolas Boffi as director of Mipim, the global urban festival that each March draws more than 20,000 delegates to Cannes. An engineer and urban planner by training, Boffi has over two decades of experience in real estate and urban development, spanning project management, business development and public affairs.

    He joins from Arcadis, where he led strategy for the global cities programme as Paris city executive, working with both the private sector and city leaders on sustainable projects in the French capital and beyond.

    Boffi succeeds Nicolas Kozubek, who steered Mipim through a turbulent period of industry change. Under his watch, Mipim became a forum where real-estate players and policymakers confronted geopolitical risk, technological disruption and the shift towards sustainability.

    Filippo Rean, managing director at Rx France, said Boffi’s “strategic mindset and track record in aligning public and private priorities” would help sharpen Mipim’s position as the place where cities’ biggest challenges—sustainability, resilience and competitiveness—are tackled head-on.

    Boffi said his priority was to deepen dialogue between the public and private sectors. “The next few years will bring economic, political and fiscal challenges that demand collaboration and bold decision-making,” he said. “Mipim must be where uncertainty turns into opportunity.”

    Expect new content under his leadership, from a sharper focus on AI disruption to the race to net zero.
    Mipim returns to the Palais des Festivals in Cannes from 9-13 March 2026. The Mipim Asia Summit runs on 3-4 December 2025 in Hong Kong.

  • India’s Ad market to add nearly Rs.10,000 crore in 2025 surge: Magna report

    India’s Ad market to add nearly Rs.10,000 crore in 2025 surge: Magna report

    MUMBAI: India’s advertising industry is on track for another year of robust expansion, with new projections from Magna forecasting total ad spend to reach Rs1.37 lakh crore in 2025—a healthy 7.8 percent jump over last year. The near-Rs 10,000 crore increase keeps India among the world’s fastest-growing major ad markets, despite global economic headwinds.

    Digital platforms are driving the surge. Magna’s report estimates digital will account for more than 44 percent of all ad spends in 2025, fuelled by rapid growth in video, social, and e-commerce advertising. While TV will retain a major share of budgets, its growth is expected to be steadier as Indian audiences increasingly split their time across screens.

    Several factors are credited with powering the upward trend: brands are doubling down on digital campaigns, key state elections and a rebound in consumer sentiment are boosting traditional and online ad activity, and high-growth sectors like FMCG, e-commerce, fintech, and automotive are leading the way in campaign spending. This momentum is helping offset continued sluggishness in categories such as real estate and durables.

    Industry leaders highlight that India’s unique demographics, rapid smartphone adoption, and expanding high-speed internet access are the underlying forces reshaping the ad landscape. For marketers, the direction is clear: digital is the growth engine, but television and outdoor continue to deliver reach at a scale few other media can match.

    The upbeat outlook for 2025 follows a strong recovery in 2024, as ad spending rebounded from pandemic-era disruptions. With the market now set to break fresh records, India’s advertising ecosystem is poised for another year of innovation—redefining how brands connect with consumers nationwide.  

  • Prabhu Tony takes the top job at Alchemist; Farhan Khan to lead Clay real estate unit

    Prabhu Tony takes the top job at Alchemist; Farhan Khan to lead Clay real estate unit

    MUMBAI: Alchemist has rejigged its leadership stack with Prabhu Tony stepping up as chief executive officer – mainline business, and Farhan Khan taking over as head of Clay, the agency’s specialised real estate vertical.

    With over 14 years of brand, strategy and creative leadership under his belt, Tony has been instrumental in driving Alchemist’s growth trajectory, particularly in the Delhi market. In his new role, he will spearhead national operations, doubling down on scale, agility and deeper client impact.

    Meanwhile, Khan—who has spent over a decade building Clay into a formidable force in real estate marketing—will now lead the vertical’s pan-India expansion. Known for his sharp sectoral insights and steady revenue growth, Khan is expected to replicate his regional success across new territories.

    Alchemist managing director Manish Porwal said: “Prabhu has been a reliable driver of our growth, combining strategic thinking with a profound understanding of achieving significant results for our clients. His leadership as CEO will guide us in our next phase of growth. Farhan’s skill and vision have significantly boosted our real estate division, and his expanded role is a logical progression to extend that success to other regions.”
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    Tony, reflecting on his rise, added: ““The Delhi chapter gave me the playground to learn, build, and grow, and now I look forward to extending the same energy across all Alchemist’s offices. I’m grateful to Manish for his mentorship over the years and will continue to draw from his wisdom as I step into this new chapter.”

    The moves mark a decisive push by Alchemist to sharpen its creative-commercial edge and deepen partnerships across its core verticals.

  • REA India brings Amit Chand on board as group CFO to keep the numbers dancing

    REA India brings Amit Chand on board as group CFO to keep the numbers dancing

    MUMBAI: There’s a new finance boss in town, and he’s not just balancing books—he’s scaling peaks. REA India, the muscle behind Housing.com and PropTiger.com, has brought in Amit Chand as its new chief financial officer, and by the looks of it, things are about to get interesting on the money front. The announcement came on 24 March 2025, with Chand set to steer not only finance but also legal, compliance, procurement, and risk assurance at the Gurgaon HQ. No pressure, right?

    Chand is no stranger to complex ledgers and high-stakes boardrooms. With over 20 years under his financial belt, he’s worn multiple hats—from fundraising wizard to M&A maestro. Most recently, he served as CFO at TCNS Clothing, where he didn’t just crunch numbers, he drove revenue growth, boosted EBITDA, and played a central role in the company’s blockbuster acquisition by Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd. — one of the biggest deals in the fashion biz.

    “We are excited to welcome Amit to the REA India leadership team. His proven financial acumen and track record of scaling businesses will be valuable as we continue to build on our strong momentum and create greater value for customers and stakeholders alike,” said Housing.com & PropTiger.com group CEO Dhruv Agarwala.

    Chand, who now carries the group CFO title, returned the sentiment with gusto, “I’m thrilled to join REA India at such a dynamic time for the digital real estate sector. Housing.com and PropTiger.com are reshaping how Indians engage with property, and I look forward to driving financial excellence, scaling operations, and helping unlock the next wave of growth.”

    Before playing fashion finance fixer at TCNS, Chand was the CFO of a tech-savvy startup backed by Elevation Capital. There, he manned the money ship, leading fundraising, investor relations, M&A action, and monetisation strategy. With toes dipped in both consumer and tech pools, he seems tailor-made to help REA India blaze ahead in the digital real estate domain.

    From bricks and clicks to margins and missions, Chand is now the man keeping REA India’s financial engine purring. 

  • Elan Group appoints Shah Rukh Khan as brand ambassador

    Elan Group appoints Shah Rukh Khan as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI : In a landmark move set to redefine India’s luxury real estate sector, Gurugram based Elan Group has announced the appointment of Indian cinema icon Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) as its brand ambassador.

    Renowned for its architectural excellence and innovation, Elan Group is a dominant force in ultra-luxury real estate. With this collaboration, the brand is poised to reach new heights, pushing the boundaries of opulence and grandeur.  

    Under the leadership of Rakesh Kapoor, Ravish Kapoor, and Akash Kapoor, Elan Group has developed 15 iconic projects across residential, commercial, and mixed-use spaces. The brand is not only transforming skylines but also setting new benchmarks in design, exclusivity, and prestige.

    SRK, celebrated for his global influence and trailblazing career, shares Elan’s vision of excellence and ambition. His partnership with the company is more than just an endorsement it represents a shared commitment to innovation, perfection, and success.

    Expressing his excitement, SRK stated, “Greatness belongs to those who dare to push limits. Elan Group embodies that fearless spirit, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey.”

    Elan Group director, Akash added, “We are honoured to welcome SRK to the Elan family. At Elan, we don’t just create projects we build icons. His unmatched presence and relentless pursuit of perfection mirror our philosophy and vision.”

    With this alliance, Elan Group and SRK are set to shape the future of luxury living in India.

  • Budget boost to ad industry: WRM’s Shrenik Gandhi foretells the future

    Budget boost to ad industry: WRM’s Shrenik Gandhi foretells the future

    MUMBAI: Like many others before him,  Shrenik Gandhi, co-founder &  CEO of White Rivers Media (WRM), has predicted a significant uptick in advertising expenditure across consumption-driven sectors following the latest Union Budget announcement. With the government providing income tax relief up to Rs 12 lakh, Gandhi anticipates a ripple effect benefiting both brands and advertisers.

    He remarked, “With more disposable income in the hands of consumers, ad spends are expected to see a positive uptick, particularly in consumption-driven sectors from the salaried class.”

    Sectoral Impact on Ad Spends

    The overall advertising market is projected to witness a 10 per cent growth, driven by increased discretionary spending. Gandhi highlighted key sectors likely to ramp up marketing investments:
    * Retail & E-commerce: Boosted by increased purchasing power, aggressive online and offline campaigns are anticipated.
    * Automobiles: Higher disposable incomes often translate into greater car and two-wheeler sales, prompting auto brands to invest more in promotions.
    * Real Estate: With improved affordability, developers are expected to push marketing efforts for mid-income housing projects.
    * Consumer Electronics & Smartphones: This segment is poised for heightened promotional activity.
    * Travel & Hospitality: Financial ease could drive a surge in both domestic and international travel advertisements.
    * Fintech & BFSI: Additional savings may lead to increased interest in investments and insurance products, encouraging BFSI companies to up their advertising budgets.

    Digital advertising, already experiencing robust growth, is expected to accelerate further as brands seek to capture positive consumer sentiment. Gandhi concluded that the budget’s impact on the advertising landscape signals a promising year ahead for the industry.

  • Arunava Chakraborty shifts to JioStar Digital as account director

    Arunava Chakraborty shifts to JioStar Digital as account director

    MUMBAI: JioStar Digital has shifted  Arunava Chakraborty as account director for large client solutions (LCS), where he will lead the BFSI category in the western region. His role involves managing prominent clients such as HDFC, ICICI Bank, SBI, and Kotak Mahindra, while driving business growth and client success alongside a team of engagement managers.

    Chakraborty brings over seven years of experience in media sales, digital advertising, and brand solutions, having previously held senior roles at Viacom18 and Disney Star. 

    At Viacom18, he served as vertical lead for consumer packaged goods, infrastructure, real estate, and OEM hardware at Jio Cinema, leading growth strategies and cultivating partnerships with major industry players. Earlier, as manager for revenue and sponsorships, he oversaw FMCG clients and strategic business development.

    During his tenure at Disney Star, Chakraborty managed key accounts such as Unilever, Godrej Consumer, and Johnson & Johnson, significantly growing revenue for linear television channels. He also played a vital role in designing go-to-market strategies for the and EdTech category.

    A graduate of the Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, Chakraborty holds a postgraduate diploma in digital business from Columbia Business School, where he earned distinction as an Emeritus Scholar.

  • Zahid Gawandi joins hBits: Will the real estate game change forever?

    Zahid Gawandi joins hBits: Will the real estate game change forever?

    MUMBAI: hBits, India’s leading platform for investing in commercial real estate, has just made a big power move by appointing Zahid Gawandi as its director – brand & marketing.

    With over 20 years of marketing wizardry under his belt, Gawandi is all set to redefine hBits’ brand strategy and spearhead its market expansion. This appointment comes hot on the heels of the company’s impressive Rs 40 crore fundraise—talk about momentum!

    Gawandi isn’t just another marketing pro. He’s a brand guru with a track record that can rival a blockbuster movie. From launching Reliance Money to leading the rebranding of SBI Securities Ltd, Gawandi has done it all. He’s also dabbled in industries ranging from Fintech to FMCG to Automobiles.

    But wait, there’s more. Gawandi is no stranger to global markets, thanks to his time with advertising giants like Dentsu and Hakuhodo. Need more reasons to trust him? He’s a sought-after speaker, a business school faculty member, and even a jury member for prestigious marketing awards. Oh, and did we mention he’s also a marathon runner? Clearly, this man doesn’t know how to slow down.

    hBits is betting big on Gawandi’s knack for understanding consumer insights and his flair for crafting integrated marketing strategies. According to hBits founder & CEO Shiv Parekh, “With our recent Rs 40 crore fundraise, hBits is poised for exponential growth. Zahid’s strategic vision and expertise in marketing and brand building will be instrumental in positioning hBits as the preferred Proptech platform for fractional ownership of premium commercial real estate.”

    Gawandi plans to hit the ground running (literally, if his marathon habits are any indication). He will focus on:

    ●    Building integrated marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility.

    ●    Leveraging cutting-edge digital campaigns to attract clients.

    ●    Strengthening investor engagement through powerful product narratives.

    According to hBits co-founder Samir Bhandari, “Zahid’s extensive experience in BFSI, his grasp of global marketing dynamics, and his ability to inspire teams make him an invaluable asset to hBits. His marketing acumen will undoubtedly propel us toward even greater success.”

    If marketing were a race, Gawandi would already be at the finish line—probably wearing a medal. With him on board, hBits is ready to soar to new heights. Will he deliver a marketing masterstroke? 

  • Top 5 Industries in Mumbai That Need Business Loans for Growth

    Top 5 Industries in Mumbai That Need Business Loans for Growth

    Mumbai is not just the financial capital of India; it is also home to thriving industries that drive the nation’s economy. Entrepreneurs in Mumbai are always looking for opportunities to grow, and one of the key ways they can do so is by securing a business loan in Mumbai. Whether it’s to expand operations, purchase inventory, or enhance marketing efforts, a business loan can fuel the growth of many sectors.

    In this blog, we will highlight the top 5 industries in Mumbai that can benefit from business loans for growth.

    1. Retail Industry

    Mumbai’s retail sector is constantly evolving. From high-end fashion boutiques to local grocery stores, the retail industry in Mumbai has something for everyone. However, to thrive in a competitive market like Mumbai, retailers need financial resources to stock inventory, open new stores, and enhance their digital presence. A business loan in Mumbai can help retail businesses manage cash flow, purchase merchandise in bulk, and improve their store layout to attract more customers. Additionally, funding can be used to expand into new locations across the city.

    2. Hospitality and Food Services

    Mumbai is known for its vibrant food scene, with countless restaurants, cafes, and food trucks catering to a diverse population. The hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses, is a major contributor to the city’s economy. However, the high competition and operational costs mean that businesses in this sector often need additional capital to stay ahead. A business loan in Mumbai can help these establishments purchase equipment, renovate interiors, hire staff, and manage operational expenses. Moreover, funds can be used to enhance marketing campaigns, enabling businesses to attract more customers.

    3. Manufacturing Industry

    Mumbai is home to a wide range of manufacturing businesses, from textiles to electronics. The manufacturing industry in the city is constantly in need of capital for raw materials, machinery, and upgrading technology. Business loans are crucial for these businesses to increase production capacity, hire more employees, and meet the demands of a growing market. A business loan in Mumbai can help manufacturers expand their facilities, streamline operations, and improve overall efficiency.

    4. Real Estate and Construction

    Mumbai’s booming real estate and construction sector presents significant growth opportunities. With a high demand for residential, commercial, and retail spaces, developers and builders are constantly in need of funds to complete projects on time and scale operations. A business loan in Mumbai can be used to finance land acquisitions, construction materials, and labor costs. This type of loan can also support real estate companies in improving infrastructure, such as upgrading properties or developing new ones, to cater to the growing demand for housing and commercial spaces.

    5. Technology and Startups

    Mumbai is home to a growing number of startups, especially in the technology and IT sectors. These businesses often face challenges in raising capital, especially in their early stages. A business loan in Mumbai can provide the necessary funding for tech startups to develop products, hire skilled employees, and set up infrastructure. With the right financial support, these businesses can scale quickly and gain a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of technology.

    Conclusion

    Mumbai offers immense growth opportunities for a variety of industries. Whether it’s retail, hospitality, manufacturing, real estate, or technology, each of these sectors can benefit from a business loan in Mumbai to fuel their expansion. For entrepreneurs, Mumbai offers a gateway to success, and with the right financial support, they can transform their business ideas into reality. Explore the options available to you and take your business to the next level!