Mr. Sankey Prasad, Chairman & Managing Director of Colliers Middle East & India, stands as a beacon of transformative leadership in the realm of real estate and construction management. With over four decades of experience, his professional journey is marked by milestones that have revolutionised the industry, leading his company through strategic expansions and breakthroughs in innovation and sustainability. His leadership is characterised by a deep sense of purpose, empathy, and an unyielding commitment to integrity—qualities that have earned him admiration and respect both within and beyond the industry.
Mr. Prasad’s career began in 1983, and from his early days as a civil engineer, he has exhibited an ability to foresee industry trends and leverage opportunities for growth. His visionary approach has not only led Colliers India to the pinnacle of success but has also positioned the company as a trusted partner in a rapidly evolving market. A staunch advocate for positive change, Mr. Prasad has consistently set new benchmarks, inspiring future leaders to think outside the box and challenge conventional norms.
A LEGACY BUILT ON INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION
One of Mr. Prasad’s key achievements was the founding of Synergy Property Development Services in 2003. With a clear vision to revolutionise project management and engineering consultancy services in India, Synergy quickly rose to prominence under his leadership. The company’s success story caught the attention of global private equity giant Blackstone, leading to a strategic partnership in 2008. This collaboration allowed Synergy to scale new heights, diversify its portfolio, and take on turnkey projects with increased financial and operational capabilities.
However, it was the acquisition of Synergy by Colliers International in 2019 that marked a significant turning point in Mr. Prasad’s career. Now at the helm of Colliers India, Mr. Prasad has transformed the organisation into one of the fastest-growing International Property Consultants (IPC) in the Indian market. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding the company’s services across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and beyond. Today, Colliers India employs over 3,000 professionals and operates across 11 offices, offering a wide range of specialised real estate services.
CULTIVATING A FUTURE-FOCUSED ORGANISATION
Mr. Prasad’s leadership philosophy revolves around fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and adaptability. At Colliers, he has cultivated an environment where open communication, idea-sharing, and collaboration are not just encouraged but are fundamental to the company’s success.
This forward-thinking approach is not limited to the company’s business strategies. Under Mr. Prasad’s direction, Colliers India has embraced cutting-edge technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and AI-powered remote monitoring tools, significantly enhancing operational efficiencies. His commitment to leveraging technology has enabled the company to deliver landmark projects across India, the UK, Africa, and the Middle East, driving sustainable growth while maintaining a competitive edge in the global market.
A LEADER COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is at the core of Mr. Prasad’s leadership vision. Recognising the environmental impact of the real estate and construction sectors, he has championed the adoption of eco-friendly practices within the organisation. Under his leadership, Colliers India has implemented energy-efficient designs, alternative construction materials, and waste reduction techniques, all of which have brought the company closer to its net zero goals.
In addition to internal sustainability initiatives, Mr. Prasad has fostered strategic partnerships with leading sustainability organisations, including the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). His emphasis on obtaining green development certifications, such as LEED, BREEAM, and WELL, reflects his commitment to driving industry-wide change toward more sustainable construction practices.
LEADERSHIP WITH PURPOSE AND INTEGRITY
A hallmark of Mr. Prasad’s leadership is his commitment to ethical governance and corporate responsibility. Transparency, accountability, and mutual respect are core values that permeate every facet of Colliers India’s operations. Mr. Prasad ensures that all stakeholders—employees, partners, investors, and clients—are treated with fairness, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. His leadership style is rooted in empowering others, building high performing teams, and creating a work culture that prioritises employee well-being. It is no surprise, then, that Colliers India has been recognised as a “Great Place to Work” for three consecutive years, a testament to Mr. Prasad’s ability to lead with empathy and a genuine concern for his people.
THE ROAD AHEAD: EXPANDING HORIZONS
Looking to the future, Mr. Prasad’s vision for Colliers India is ambitious yet attainable. In the short term, he aims to further enhance the company’s market presence by expanding its client base and delivering world-class services that exceed expectations. With a focus on new market segments, including data centres, student housing, and co-living spaces, Colliers India is well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the real estate sector.
Mr. Prasad is aggressively pursuing expansion into South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. His long-term goal is to establish Colliers India as the go-to provider for diversified real estate solutions, delivering maximum value to clients while staying ahead of industry trends.
GIVING BACK: A LEADER WITH HEART
Beyond business, Mr. Prasad is devoted to giving back. His philanthropy spans education, healthcare, and community development, with Colliers India supporting schools for underprivileged communities and deploying mobile cancer units in rural areas. During COVID-19, Mr. Prasad led immunization drives in Bengaluru and organized a response team to aid employees, embodying empathy and strategic vision that inspire his team and community alike.
