A VISION FOR 'TOTAL BUSINESS ECOSYSTEMS'

Jitu Virwani, Chairman and Managing Director of Embassy Group, redefines India's commercial real estate landscape by pioneering integrated, future-ready, and sustainable business ecosystems.

- Rashmi Naicker

India’s commercial real estate sector has witnessed transformative changes over the past few decades, and few names stand as tall as the Embassy Group, helmed by its visionary chairman and managing director, Jitu Virwani. Recognised as a pioneer in creating dynamic ecosystems that merge functionality with innovation, Virwani’s leadership has been instrumental in reshaping India’s office spaces to meet the needs of global corporations and employees alike. With a career spanning decades, Virwani offers unique insights into how Embassy Group has navigated market shifts, embraced sustainability, and set benchmarks for workplace design.

THE EVOLUTION OF INDIA’S COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Jitu Virwani observes that India’s real estate sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over recent years. Postpandemic, this shift has only accelerated, with the country emerging as a preferred destination for global institutional investors. “India’s property market is gaining traction due to structural reforms, a robust economic outlook, and attractive valuations,” Virwani explains. This transformation has also been driven by the emergence of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) as a dominant force. Over the past decade, GCCs have become the backbone of India’s leasing activity, with corporations seeking integrated business ecosystems that offer more than just office spaces.

The pandemic reshaped how corporations view their work environments. As businesses navigate hybrid work models, the demand for experiential and engaging office designs has grown. For Embassy Group, this shift was a call to action. “Our masterplans are tailored to encourage footfall activation, creating vibrant and interactive office campuses,” Virwani says. From outdoor breakout spaces to wellness-focused amenities, these design elements have not only boosted employee satisfaction but also fostered innovation and productivity.