Sankey Prasad: Scaling Vision with Strategy in Global Real Estate

 

Real estate is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about shaping the environments where we live, work, and grow. It’s a sector that demands strategic foresight, people-first values, and a relentless commitment to innovation. Amidst the high-stakes world of investment, infrastructure, and urban expansion, true leadership isn’t just about managing projects—it’s about inspiring transformation. The demand for smart, resilient, and people-centric spaces is reshaping how developers, investors, and governments envision growth. In the shifting landscape, leadership has emerged as the defining factor that separates those merely adapting from those boldly innovating.

At the forefront of this transformation stands a leader whose journey reflects these very qualities—Sankey Prasad, Chairman & Managing Director, Middle – East & India, Colliers, whose legacy continues to shape the future of real estate across borders. With a career defined by vision, execution, and impact, he has become a pivotal force steering the industry toward a future that balances profitability with purpose. Through bold leadership and strategic foresight, Sankey has not only championed growth but redefined what it means to lead in today’s real estate world.

Redefining Real Estate Through Innovation and Integrity

Sankey Prasad entered the real estate industry because he wanted to create something meaningful—an enterprise focused on purpose and long-term impact. With a strong understanding of the real estate market and its growth potential, he aimed to start a company that would emphasize innovation, quality, and integrity.

In 2003, his vision became a reality with the founding of Synergy, a company dedicated to providing smart and efficient real estate and construction management solutions. From the beginning, Synergy was built on collaboration, trust, and a commitment to excellence. Under Sankey’s leadership, the company grew in size, capability, and reputation, becoming a trusted name in the industry.

Years later, Synergy evolved into Colliers, marking a new chapter in Sankey’s journey. He took on a bigger leadership role to drive innovation and change on a larger scale. His entrepreneurial spirit continues to influence the company’s growth, combining a global perspective with local knowledge to shape the future of real estate in the region.

The Merger That Reshaped the Future

For any founder, the decision to merge a company built from scratch is never easy. For Sankey Prasad, this moment came after nearly two decades of growing Synergy into a respected name in real estate and project management.

“Letting go of something you’ve nurtured for over 16 years isn’t a small decision,” he reflects. “But leadership is about knowing when to take bold steps that serve a bigger vision.”

The strategic merger with Colliers marked a turning point—not just for the company, but for the trajectory of Sankey’s leadership journey. It was a conscious leap toward scale, diversification, and global impact.

“We weren’t just expanding—we were evolving,” he explains.

This move opened new avenues to integrate cutting-edge technologies, broaden service capabilities, and enter new markets across Asia and the Middle East. It also enabled the organization to serve a more diverse clientele while maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit that defined its origins. The merger was not a closure of one chapter—it was the beginning of a more ambitious, global one.

From Strategy to Sustainability: Colliers Leads the Way

At Colliers, the vision is rooted in creating long-term value through sustainable, innovative, and client-focused real estate solutions. In the fast-evolving markets of India, Middle East and the broader Asia Pacific region, Colliers strives to be the most trusted and forward-thinking real estate partner—one that not only responds to change but leads it.

The company is committed to:

• Maximizing Asset Value: Helping clients unlock the full potential of their real estate through strategic planning and execution.
• Driving Sustainability: Prioritizing eco-conscious designs and operations that contribute positively to the environment and communities.
• Expanding into High-Growth Sectors: Proactively diversifying into emerging areas like data centers, land advisory, residential services, and sustainability consulting.
• Championing Innovation: Leveraging cutting-edge construction technologies and digital tools to improve efficiency, scalability, and performance.

By aligning its mission with shifting market needs and global best practices, Colliers continues to set new benchmarks in real estate service excellence.

Driving Growth Across Borders with a Forward-Thinking Vision

Under Sankey Prasad’s leadership, Colliers is focusing on several high-growth sectors across India and the Middle East. Data centers are seeing a surge in demand due to AI, cloud adoption, and digital infrastructure needs, and Colliers is developing scalable, energy-efficient solutions to meet this shift. Sustainability services are also gaining traction, with the company integrating green certifications, energy audits, and sustainability strategies into its operations. In addition, Colliers is contributing to large-scale urban infrastructure and smart city projects that prioritize mobility and sustainable living. Residential and land services are expanding, while the rise of e-commerce is fueling growth in industrial and logistics hubs. These focus areas reflect Colliers’ agile approach to emerging market demands.

Colliers’ Bold Commitment to Sustainable development

In an era where environmental responsibility is no longer optional, Colliers has made sustainability a central pillar of its strategy. Recognizing the urgent need to preserve the built environment, the firm has embedded green practices across its operations.

Colliers integrates sustainability from the ground up, beginning with building health assessments that enhance efficiency, longevity, and operational resilience. Through environmental and social audits, the company ensures its projects align with eco-conscious principles, prioritizing both environmental impact and community well-being.

What sets Colliers apart is its proactive use of compliance assessments and technical due diligence, minimizing risks while maximizing resource optimization. This rigorous approach ensures every project meets the highest sustainability benchmarks, paving the way for smarter, greener cities across India and the Middle East.

Standout Projects That Define a Legacy

Under Sankey Prasad’s guidance, Colliers has dramatically expanded and become a dominant force in the APAC market. The firm’s footprint in India continues to grow across multiple service lines, but it’s the recent foray into the Middle East that marks a new era.

One of the most noteworthy achievements is Colliers’ role in the development of the upcoming World Trade Center in Yerevan, Armenia—a project that showcases not only scale and ambition but also Colliers’ growing influence beyond South Asia. This venture, among others, highlights the firm’s ability to secure mega infrastructure and corporate projects in competitive, high-growth markets.

Through such landmark developments, Colliers is not just shaping skylines but also reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for large-scale, future-forward real estate projects.

From Investment to Innovation: The Rise of a Real Estate Powerhouse

• 2008 – Secured $18 Million Investment from Blackstone Inc.
  • In 2008, Blackstone Real Estate Partners’ first investment in India was concluded by Sankey ( for then Synergy), an USD 18 million investment for 35% equity. In 2017, Sankey bought back 50% of the stake at an undisclosed multiple.
• 2019 – Colliers International acquired Synergy and Sankey Prasad became the Chairman & Managing Director for the India business
  • Merged with global real estate leader Colliers to scale capabilities, enter new markets, and drive regional growth.
• 2020–Present – Expanded Focus on Innovation & Sustainability
  • Expanded the portfolio of services to drive exceptional growth across the region
• 2024–2025 – Middle East Expansion & Strategic Wins
  • Sankey Prasad became the Chairman & Managing Director for Middle East and India securing landmark projects, including the World Trade Center in Yerevan, Armenia, and major infrastructure developments.

Ongoing – Diversification into High-Growth Sectors

Leading Colliers’ entry into Technology Services with market leading AI driven platform called CoGence, Data Centers, Sustainability Services, Residential Services, and Land Advisory—aligning with future-ready trends.

• 2025 and Beyond – Strategic Focus on Digital Transformation & AI
  • Charting a future defined by automation, sustainable growth, and workforce upskilling across APAC.

Bold Moves Built on Discipline

When it comes to expansion and transformation, Sankey Prasad is guided by a philosophy of bold yet balanced leadership. “Ambition must be anchored in discipline,” he shares. At Colliers, every move—whether it’s a new market entry or strategic diversification—is backed by meticulous due diligence, data-driven insights, and robust compliance frameworks. “We embrace innovation, but not at the cost of prudence. Risk management, to us, is not just about mitigating challenges, but about making informed decisions that ensure sustainable growth.”

Future-Proofing Colliers with Insight

Colliers’ focus moving forward is clear: they are embracing digital transformation, deepening sustainability efforts, and investing in talent. From AI-driven insights to green infrastructure, they are aligning innovation with client needs. At the same time, they are building a future-ready workforce that is agile, skilled, and empowered. These priorities ensure that Colliers remains resilient, relevant, and ahead of the curve.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

Staying competitive in real estate demands more than keeping pace—it requires foresight, agility, and the courage to innovate. At Colliers, they are constantly futurecasting—envisioning what’s next and acting decisively to meet it. With an enterprising mindset at their core, they focus on anticipating stakeholder needs and delivering solutions that are both cutting-edge and pragmatic.

Technologies like AI-powered analytics and smart construction tools are transforming how the company optimizes resources and enhances project outcomes. Colliers’ commitment to market intelligence, trend forecasting, and strategic agility ensures that they align with shifting customer expectations across regions. By integrating global best practices and customizing them to local contexts, Colliers maintains its edge and continues to lead with purpose.

Leading with Purpose, Not Perfection

Sankey Prasad’s leadership philosophy is rooted in empowering others with a balanced approach that combines empathy and strategic clarity. He fosters a culture of collaboration, agility, and accountability, believing that people thrive in environments where they feel trusted, supported, and encouraged to innovate. One of the most common misconceptions about leadership, he notes, is the idea that leaders must always be perfect or have all the answers. In contrast, Sankey emphasizes that real leadership is about authenticity, vulnerability, and continuous learning. For him, the most effective leaders are those who build trust, lead with purpose, and elevate others to succeed together.

Fostering a Culture of Empowerment, Collaboration, and Innovation

At the heart of Colliers’ sustained success in the India region lies a strong, people-centric culture—one that Sankey Prasad has carefully nurtured over the years. As Chairman and Managing Director for India and the Middle East, he believes that an organization’s greatest asset is its people—their passion, creativity, and drive to make a difference.

Under his leadership, Colliers has built a workplace ecosystem rooted in trust, accountability, and innovation. The focus isn’t just on hiring top talent, but also on empowering individuals to take ownership, think boldly, and lead with confidence.

“While it is important to invest in talent, it is equally important to give them the freedom to lead, create, and take ownership of their work,” he explains.

This open and collaborative environment is what fuels innovation at Colliers. When employees feel heard and supported, they’re more likely to take calculated risks and contribute breakthrough ideas. By cultivating a space where mutual respect, learning, and teamwork are the norm, Prasad has helped shape a high-performance culture where people feel inspired to go beyond conventional boundaries.

It’s this deliberate culture of empowerment and shared purpose that not only sets Colliers apart but also ensures it remains agile and future-ready.

An Open Letter to Aspiring Leaders in Real Estate

Dear Future Leaders,

The real estate industry is always changing, driven by market trends, new technologies, and shifting customer needs. To succeed, you must be willing to adapt and stay ahead of the curve.

It’s not just about strategy or closing deals. What truly sets you apart is the ability to build strong relationships. Trust is the foundation, whether with clients, partners, or colleagues.

Remember, real estate is a close-knit community. When we support each other, we grow together. Collaboration leads to new opportunities and shared success.

Stay curious. Stay connected. Keep learning.

Sincerely,

Sankey Prasad

5 Key Takeaways 

Sankey Prasad’s Blueprint for Real Estate Leadership

1. Purpose Leads Growth: Sankey Prasad’s leadership shows that purpose-driven vision creates impact beyond profits, shaping industries and inspiring transformation.
2. Mergers Drive Momentum: The Synergy-Colliers merger unlocked global reach, innovation, and new markets, proving that bold moves lead to exponential growth.
3. Sustainability Powers Innovation: At Colliers, tech and Sustainability go hand in hand—delivering smarter, greener, and future-ready real estate solutions.
4. People Build Performance: Empowering talent and promoting ownership fuels Colliers’ culture of collaboration, agility, and innovation.
5. Vision Needs Discipline: Sankey’s balance of ambition with data-backed decisions shows that true leadership is both bold and grounded.