Launched in Mumbai by Maharashtra IT Minister Shri Ashish Shelar, with key industry leaders including Mr. Sanjeev Jaiswal (Vice President & CEO, MHADA) and Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani (Chairman, Hiranandani Group), the Lighthouse Luxury and CRE Matrix report outlines how 8 million sq. ft. of premium real estate could transform Bandra Bay into India’s most iconic waterfront destination.
Category: Business
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Lighthouse Luxury and CRE Matrix Declare Bandra Bay as Mumbai’s Next ₹1 Lakh Cr Global Waterfront Destination
A new chapter in Mumbai’s real estate story unfolded as Lighthouse Luxury and CRE Matrix unveiled a landmark report positioning ‘Bandra Bay’ as India’s most iconic waterfront destination, with a premium development potential exceeding ₹1 lakh crore.
Bandra Bay: A Vision Backed by Data
The Infrastructure Backbone
Industry Leaders Weigh In
About Lighthouse Luxury and CRE Matrix
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DL Appointed Jacob George as CMD, Mathew Chandy Continues to be Executive Director
Duroflex Limited announces an internal leadership transition after reporting a five-year CAGR of nearly 22%, focusing on operational continuity and innovation across product, retail, and digital platforms
DL, the parent company of leading sleep and comfort brands Duroflex and Sleepyhead, has announced a senior leadership transition within its board. Jacob George has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), following board approval. Mathew Chandy, who has served as CMD for the past decade, will continue in his role as Executive Director. The move reflects a continuation of the company’s growth trajectory and commitment to internal succession, signalling no change to its long-term operational strategy.
Duroflex Limited reported a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.97%, expanding across product categories, manufacturing locations, and retail markets. The company’s decision to transition leadership internally comes after a decade of consistent performance under Chandy, who helped reposition Duroflex from a regional mattress manufacturer to a nationally recognised brand with a strong digital presence and a broad consumer-facing product portfolio.
During his tenure, Mathew Chandy led Duroflex through a series of strategic shifts, including digital transformation, increased R&D investment, and the launch of health-backed sleep solutions. He was also instrumental in the creation of Sleepyhead, the group’s D2C lifestyle brand, which has scaled with younger audiences. On stepping down as CMD, Chandy said the company’s momentum was built not just on product or retail expansion but on clear governance, internal alignment, and a long-view on market building. He noted Jacob George’s contributions as critical to those outcomes and expressed confidence in the transition.
Jacob George, now CMD, has been a key member of Duroflex’s leadership team for over a decade. He previously served as Whole-Time Director Growth & Strategy and played a vital role in scaling Duroflex’s presence in western India. He was also instrumental in the acquisition and operationalisation of the company’s central India manufacturing plant. Beyond operations, George has led digital strategy, consumer research initiatives, and brand partnerships, including IPL collaborations that expanded the company’s visibility among new market segments.
Speaking on his appointment, George said he was honoured to take charge at a time when the company was financially and structurally strong. He reaffirmed Duroflex’s commitment to investing in product innovation and operational depth, highlighting consumer needs as the anchor of future planning. He also thanked Mathew Chandy and the board for their trust, noting the unique advantage of leadership continuity in a high-growth consumer category.
Duroflex has emerged as one of India’s most recognised brands in the sleep solutions market. Its product innovations include the Neuma mattress the country’s first firmness-adjustable mattress with in-house technology and the Duropedic Back Magic range, which is approved by the National Health Academy and used by cricketer Virat Kohli. The company recently introduced the Wave Twin smart bed and relaunched its Energize mattress series with Arctic Ice cooling technology tailored for Indian climatic conditions.
Alongside product expansion, Duroflex continues to invest in distribution. Its presence now includes 73 company-owned outlets and over 5,000 trade partners, supported by a growing digital ecosystem via duroflexworld.com and mysleepyhead.com. The company’s D2C efforts have broadened to include recliners, sofas, and multi-functional furniture, positioning it as a full-spectrum comfort brand.
The leadership announcement also confirms the operational role of CEO Sridhar Balakrishnan remains unchanged, maintaining organisational alignment as Duroflex enters its next fiscal cycle.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Global BPM and Digital Leader, HGS Expands in Philippines with New 3,000-Employee Hub
Part of the Hinduja Group, Hinduja Global Solutions strengthens its APAC footprint with a next-gen Intelligent Experience Hub in Manila’s prime business district
Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS), a global leader in business process management (BPM), digital experience, and digital media services, has announced the opening of a new Intelligent Experience Hub in the heart of Manila, Philippines. The move marks a major expansion of HGS’s APAC operations and is poised to generate over 1,000 new jobs in the region across business services and digital transformation over the next two years.
With an initial capacity of 1,500 seats, the state-of-the-art facility can accommodate up to 3,000 employees in two shifts, consolidating HGS teams from across Manila into one modern, tech-forward workspace. Located in one of the city’s prime business districts, the hub has been designed to power future-ready delivery models while enhancing collaborative capabilities and team performance.
The Philippines has been an integral part of HGS’ growth story for over two decades, and this new intelligent experience hub marks yet another important milestone in our commitment to this region, said Giridhar GV, CEO – APAC and Global CHRO, HGS.
He added that the center reflects the synergy of human expertise, AI, and empathy-driven innovation to deliver high-impact solutions for global clients. It’s not just a technology investment but a strategic move toward orchestrating meaningful, intelligent experiences that resonate with our clients and their customers, he said.Earlier this year, HGS signed a Letter of Intent with the Philippines government to significantly scale its presence in the country, reinforcing its role as a long-term partner in regional economic development.
The Manila hub becomes HGS’s sixth facility in the Philippines, joining its existing network of delivery centers. The new hub is built to support evolving technology-enabled service models, offering clients seamless, personalized customer experiences backed by a globally distributed workforce.As HGS continues to expand globally, the launch of this new center not only supports its digital-first vision but also further anchors the Philippines as a critical node in its global delivery network.
At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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From Sand to Structure: JK Cement Begins ₹3,000 Cr Rajasthan Plant
Spread across 525 acres in Jaisalmer’s Bhamashah Industrial Area, the new unit marks a major milestone in JK Cement’s national expansion and regional development strategy.
JK Cement Ltd. has initiated a significant chapter in its growth journey with the commencement of construction for its new Greenfield cement plant in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. With an estimated investment of ₹3,000 crore, the JK Cement Greenfield Plant is set to boost production capacity, address rising demand in western India, and generate employment opportunities across the region.
Spread across 525 acres in the Bhamashah Industrial Area, the JK Cement Greenfield Plant is strategically located to ensure long-term raw material access, owing to the limestone reserves in the region. The unit is also expected to serve high-demand markets in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana, leveraging the company’s existing network of distributors and partners.At the ceremonial Bhoomi Pujan, Mr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director of JK Cement Ltd., shared that this expansion symbolises more than just capacity growth. By investing in Jaisalmer, we are laying the foundation for a future-ready enterprise. This facility will not only strengthen our production capabilities but also create new opportunities for employment, skill development, and regional progress.
The JK Cement Greenfield Plant is expected to be completed by early 2027 and will incorporate next-generation technology such as waste heat recovery systems. These enhancements are part of JK Cement’s broader commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and responsible growth.
As the company scales its national footprint, the Jaisalmer plant is designed to serve as a growth anchor for the western belt while also contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of the surrounding areas. In addition to job creation, JK Cement plans to foster skill-building among youth and support social infrastructure through community-focused initiatives.
This Greenfield project reflects JK Cement’s strategic vision to deliver value across infrastructure, employment, and environmental responsibility. It positions the company not only as a market leader but also as a catalyst for inclusive and long-term regional development.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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DS Group Declared Water Positive by GRIHA, Leads Corporate Sustainability with 66 Lakh KL Storagevarun khanna
A 2.5-year assessment by GRIHA places the group among India’s top water-responsible companies with a 1.8 Index
The DS Group has been officially certified as Water Positive by the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), registering a Water Positivity Index of 1.80. The certification follows a detailed 2.5-year evaluation of the company’s operations and water conservation efforts across 30 Indian locations. With over 66 lakh kilolitres of water conserved and stored, the group has emerged as one of the country’s most water-responsible corporations.
Founded in 1929, DS Group has steadily expanded its sustainability commitments alongside its FMCG and infrastructure portfolio. This new certification reaffirms its position as a leader in long-term resource stewardship. The Water Positive Index of 1.80 indicates that the group replenishes significantly more water than it consumes.This milestone is the result of a dual-track strategy combining in-plant conservation methods with community water management projects. Within its manufacturing units, the company has deployed systems for water-efficient processes, reuse and recycling technologies, and rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Simultaneously, through its CSR arm, the group has undertaken large-scale water rejuvenation projects, particularly in the water-stressed regions of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The GRIHA evaluation, which is widely recognised as one of India’s most rigorous environmental assessment systems, tracked both the input-output water balance at DS Group’s facilities and the broader community impact of its projects. Certification by GRIHA further lends technical and institutional credibility to the group’s efforts.Notably, the company’s work has been deeply focused in regions where groundwater tables are severely threatened. Over the last few years, DS Group has helped revive over 100 traditional water bodies, built check dams, and constructed rainwater recharge structures across several rural districts. These projects have benefitted both agriculture and household access to safe water, aligning the company’s goals with the national Jal Shakti Mission.
A spokesperson from DS Group stated that achieving water positivity is not the end goal but a baseline for future interventions. “We believe that water sustainability is central to climate resilience and local livelihoods. This certification is a validation of years of collective work by our teams and partner communities,” the spokesperson noted.India’s corporate sector has increasingly turned its focus to natural resource accountability, with water becoming a key metric of ESG performance. While several large corporations have adopted internal reporting mechanisms, few have undergone third-party certification at the scale and depth demonstrated by DS Group.
Water Positive status ensures that a company gives back more water than it draws through a combination of operational efficiencies and externally verifiable projects. The DS Group’s Water Positivity Index of 1.80 places it firmly above industry benchmarks.
As climate shifts and regional water stress continue to pose systemic risks to businesses, such models offer a blueprint for future-ready, responsible growth. DS Group’s approach reinforces the principle that economic progress and ecological balance must go hand in hand.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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NTT DATA Brings EXAH Into Its Fold to Expand Salesforce Work in Middle East and Africa
EXAH’s integration brings in-region talent and AI-led Salesforce experience under NTT DATA’s global umbrella.
NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader, has announced the acquisition of EXAH, a Salesforce consulting firm with strong regional presence in the Middle East and Africa. The move aims to scale NTT DATA’s Salesforce delivery capabilities in emerging markets and bolster its AI-led customer experience services.
EXAH, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, brings specialized experience in Salesforce implementation, customer engagement platforms, and digital CRM strategies. The team of over 70 professionals will now join NTT DATA’s global Salesforce practice, enabling deeper delivery reach and localised client support across the region.
“This acquisition enhances our ability to deliver Salesforce solutions in growth markets that are central to our strategy,” said Norbert Rotter, CEO of NTT DATA Business Solutions and EVP at NTT DATA, Inc. EXAH’s skilled professionals and regional focus will strengthen our ability to support clients as they modernize operations and engage customers through cloud-based platforms.For EXAH, the partnership provides access to NTT DATA’s global infrastructure, solution accelerators, and investment in emerging tech like generative AI. The companies emphasized alignment in culture and delivery quality as key drivers behind the acquisition.
The announcement follows NTT DATA’s broader focus on scaling customer experience and enterprise software capabilities through targeted acquisitions. As global demand for digital transformation grows, this step reinforces NTT DATA’s investment in region-specific talent and solutions for clients across sectors like financial services, retail, and telecom.
The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and expected to close by Q4 FY2025. -
New Chapter for Flexible Work: WeWork India Sets ₹3,000 Cr IPO for October 3
Backed by Embassy Group, the co-working major is heading to the public markets via a 100% Offer for Sale, with no fresh issue of shares
WeWork India, one of the country’s largest flexible workspace providers, has announced its initial public offering (IPO), scheduled to open on 3 October 2025. The ₹3,000 crore IPO will be a 100% Offer for Sale (OFS), meaning existing shareholders, including parent company Embassy Group, will divest part of their stake. The company will not issue any new shares as part of the offer.
As per the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed with SEBI, the IPO comprises up to 1.37 crore equity shares. Embassy Buildcon LLP, which holds a significant majority in WeWork India, will be the selling shareholder.
The listing marks a key moment in India’s co-working sector, especially as demand for hybrid and flexible workspaces continues to grow across metros and Tier 2 cities. WeWork India currently operates over 8 million sq. ft. of office space across major cities, serving a wide mix of startups, enterprises, and remote professionals.While the global WeWork brand has faced challenges in the U.S., WeWork India operates as a separately managed, profitable joint venture, known for achieving operating profitability over the past few quarters. Embassy Group’s leadership and local strategy have helped it maintain a strong position in the premium workspace segment.
The IPO proceeds, since it is an OFS, will go to existing investors, not the company. However, the public listing is expected to provide visibility, enhance governance, and support long-term scalability for WeWork India.
The offer will be managed by JM Financial, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, and IIFL Securities.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Leadership Shift at SKF India: Divya Purohit Takes Charge of Lubrication Unit
SKF India’s latest leadership appointment signals a strategic emphasis on industrial lubrication growth, with Divya Purohit stepping in to drive innovation, partnerships, and market expansion.
SKF India has appointed Divya Purohit as the new Head of its Lubrication Business Unit under the Lincoln SKF brand, marking a notable leadership development within the company’s industrial solutions segment.
With over 17 years of cross-sector experience in B2B and B2C marketing, sales, and strategic operations, Divya will lead the vertical’s growth strategy, focusing on strengthening customer relationships, expanding the distribution network, and steering product innovation across industrial lubrication systems.She joins SKF India from her prior leadership roles at brands such as Tata Steel, Tata Bluescope Steel, Finolex Pipes, and Emco Ltd. In her new role, she will oversee the India operations of the Lincoln SKF lubrication portfolio and report to Sandeep Sinha, Managing Director & CEO, SKF India Ltd.
Sandeep Sinha noted, “Divya’s appointment is part of our continued effort to build a future-ready leadership team. Her deep industry experience will be instrumental in scaling our Lubrication Systems Business as we grow our industrial portfolio in India.”The Lincoln SKF brand specializes in centralized lubrication systems, serving sectors like cement, mining, steel, wind, and other heavy industries making this leadership shift a critical move for SKF’s expansion in India’s fast-evolving manufacturing and infrastructure landscape.
At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube
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India’s Chip Leap: UST Backs ₹3,330 Cr JV with Kaynes Semicon for Advanced Semiconductor Facility
The new OSAT joint venture in Telangana will power India’s Atmanirbhar tech vision with UST’s design expertise and Kaynes’ hardware leadership
In a strategic move that underscores India’s growing semiconductor ambitions, global technology company UST and Kaynes Semicon, a subsidiary of Kaynes Technology India Limited, have announced a ₹3,330 crore joint venture to establish a state-of-the-art Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) facility in Telangana.
This partnership marks a critical step towards realising India’s self-reliance goals in advanced electronics and AI hardware infrastructure.The project, which received final approval from the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), will focus on flip chip and ISIP (Integrated System in Package) technologies, essential for next-generation AI and computing devices. With this venture, UST and Kaynes Semicon aim to cater to global demand for high-performance chip packaging while bolstering India’s presence in the value chain beyond design and into advanced manufacturing.
“This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to building deep-tech capabilities in India and enabling innovation at the silicon level,” said Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer & Global Head for Development Center Operations, UST.
Kaynes Semicon will hold 70% equity in the new venture, with UST owning 30%, bringing its deep semiconductor and embedded systems experience to the partnership. The JV also benefits from an anchor client agreement, helping de-risk the business model and ensuring long-term demand alignment.The new facility, expected to be located in Telangana, adds momentum to India’s push to become a credible player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. OSAT services are a key enabler in the silicon-to-systems stack, offering packaging, assembly, and final testing for semiconductors before deployment in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.
“With the government’s continued support and strategic partnerships like this, India is poised to emerge as a hub for next-gen semiconductor manufacturing,” said Ramesh Kannan, Managing Director, Kaynes Technology India Ltd.
This collaboration not only aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ missions but also supports downstream growth in areas like AI compute, IoT, automotive electronics, and smart infrastructure.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Powering Progress: NAREDCO MAHI Hosts Women Achiever Awards 2025 at HOMETHON Expo
Recognizing real estate’s leading women during Navratri, the event brought together policymakers, developers, and change-makers at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre.
NAREDCO MAHI, the women’s wing of the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India, hosted the Women Achiever Awards 2025 in association with the Women Who Lead National Award & Consortium (WWLNAC). The ceremony was held during the NAREDCO HOMETHON Property Expo 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai.
Organized during the auspicious festival of Navratri, the awards honoured outstanding women who have shaped India’s real estate and allied industries through leadership, resilience, and innovation. The event saw enthusiastic participation from across the sector and brought together top industry voices.Key dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of NAREDCO; Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman of NAREDCO; Mrs. Smita Patil, National President of NAREDCO MAHI; Mrs. Smita Raje Patwardhan of the Royal Family of Jamkhandi; Dr. Sunita Karad, Dean at MIT World Peace University; and Mrs. Radhika Sudhir, Founder of WWLNAC. Also present were Mr. Prashant Sharma, President of NAREDCO West; Mr. Hitesh Thakkar, Vice President of NAREDCO Maharashtra, and other eminent developers and professionals from the sector.
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani highlighted the transformative power of women leaders in the real estate sector and emphasized the need to nurture such leadership for a more inclusive industry. “This award is a platform to empower women who are actively shaping the industry and inspiring future generations,” he said.Mr. Rajan Bandelkar stressed that women are no longer just participants in real estate but catalysts of change who are reshaping the sector itself.
Mrs. Smita Patil, speaking on behalf of NAREDCO MAHI, underlined the significance of recognizing women achievers during Navratri a celebration of feminine strength and grace. “Recognition is not merely a reward for the past, but fuel for the future,” she noted.
Celebrity guest Anusha Dandekar also lauded the initiative, calling the awardees “real heroes who help build dreams, one home at a time.”Mrs. Radhika Sudhir, Founder of WWLNAC, reiterated that the platform serves as a national movement to spotlight the achievements and untapped potential of women in business and real estate.
The Women Achiever Awards 2025 were supported by Hiranandani Communities as Powered By partner, Incuspaze and MIT World Peace University as Silver Partners, and I Knowledge Services as Technology Partner. Additional support came from Kich Architectural Products, Mantra Properties, BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and gifting partner Giftzy.
The evening was more than a celebration, it was a call to action for greater gender representation and inclusion in India’s urban development landscape.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.