“Leadership is not about a title or designation; it’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.”

With over two decades of experience in strategy and business development, Archana Mahajan stands as a visionary leader in the commercial real estate industry. As Director at Savills Middle East, she spearheads innovative solutions in new business development, key account management, and financial analysis, leaving an indelible mark on the sector.

Archana’s illustrious career spans tenures at global giants like Cushman & Wakefield, Colliers International, and Savills India. Her current role sees her leading regional account management across 14 locations, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, driving efficiency and revenue growth through tailored real estate solutions.

Archana’s journey reflects her commitment to excellence and innovation as a recipient of prestigious accolades like the Construction & Real Estate Leadership Conclave Award (2023) and the Jerry Maguire Award (2022). Beyond her professional accomplishments, she finds joy in painting, cooking, and Zumba, showcasing her spirit.

Based in Dubai, Archana thrives on cultivating meaningful relationships. She embodies integrity, adaptability, and teamwork—qualities that define her as a leader. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance in shaping the future of real estate.

A Trailblazer in Commercial Real Estate

Archana’s professional journey began in the competitive world of commercial real estate, where she quickly gained recognition for her strategic insights and dedication. Over the years, she has worked with industry leaders like Cushman & Wakefield, Colliers International, and Savills across India and the Middle East. Her roles have consistently centered on driving growth and cultivating strong client relationships.

One of her notable achievements includes her tenure at Savills India, where she led business development efforts in the National Capital Region. Archana demonstrated her ability to deliver tailored solutions that aligned with client objectives by collaborating with high-profile clients such as Microsoft, Apple, Whirlpool, and Rackspace Technologies. Her exceptional contributions earned her the Jerry Maguire Award at Savills India in 2022, a testament to her impact on new business development.

Archana’s career demonstrates the power of strategic thinking, adaptability, and a client-centric approach. Her contributions to the real estate sector have driven organizational success and set benchmarks for excellence. As a leader, mentor, and innovator, Archana continues to inspire professionals and shape the industry’s future. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence in achieving professional milestones.

Driving Success at Savills Middle East

Archana is a distinguished strategy and business development leader with a career spanning over 20 years. Her journey is marked by relentless innovation, strategic acumen, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Currently a Director at Savills Middle East, Archana has cemented her reputation as a powerhouse in the commercial real estate sector. Her expertise encompasses new business development, key account management, and financial analysis, making her pivotal in shaping Savills’ operations across the Middle East.

As the Director of Regional Account Management and Business Development at Savills Middle East, Archana oversees operations across 14 locations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Muscat, and Egypt. Her primary responsibilities include:

• Revenue Growth: Archana spearheads initiatives to identify new business opportunities and expand the company’s client base.
• Portfolio Analysis: By meticulously analyzing client portfolios, she offers solutions that enhance operational efficiencies and reduce costs.
• Service Cross-Selling: Archana ensures comprehensive client engagement by integrating multiple service verticals.

Her role requires engaging with key decision-makers, understanding their needs, and crafting value-driven strategies. Her ability to anticipate market trends and adapt to client requirements has been instrumental in securing long-term partnerships and driving revenue growth.

Leadership Philosophy and Team Dynamics

Archana’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and adaptability. She nurtures an environment where team members feel valued and motivated to excel. Open communication is a cornerstone of her approach, ensuring everyone aligns with organizational goals.

Her strategies for team success include:

• Encouraging innovative problem-solving to address client challenges.
• Celebrating achievements to maintain morale and drive performance.
• Providing mentorship and guidance to prepare her team for future leadership roles.

Archana has built a cohesive team capable of achieving ambitious targets by emphasizing teamwork and recognizing individual contributions.

Building Relationships with Key Decision-Makers

A hallmark of Archana’s career is her ability to forge strong relationships with key decision-makers. She prioritizes understanding their unique challenges and delivering tailored solutions that address their needs. Her approach includes:

• Regular Communication: Maintaining consistent engagement to stay attuned to evolving client requirements.
• Tailored Solutions: Crafting strategies that align with client objectives and add measurable value.
• Mutual Trust: Positioning herself as a trusted advisor, cultivating long-term collaboration.

This client-centric approach has earned her respect and loyalty, enabling her to steer intricate negotiations and secure high-value deals.

Contributions to the Real Estate Community

Her influence extends beyond her organizational roles. Archana is an active member of several real estate forums and platforms, where she shares her expertise and learns from industry peers. Since 2023, she has been a part of CoreNet Global’s Middle East Chapter, a platform that connects corporate real estate professionals and promotes excellence through education and networking.

Recognitions and Accolades

Archana’s career is adorned with prestigious awards that highlight her contributions to the industry. Some of her notable recognitions include:

• Construction & Real Estate Leadership Conclave Award (Dubai, 2023): Celebrating her leadership and innovative strategies.
• Jerry Maguire Award (Savills India, 2022): For exceptional new business development.
• South Asia Trust & Refer Award (Colliers International, 2019): Acknowledging her efforts in cultivating trust and collaboration.
• South Asia Award (British Airways, 2006): Recognizing her customer service and sales excellence.

These accolades underscore her ability to deliver results and her dedication to professional growth.

A Multifaceted Professional

Her versatility is evident in her ability to balance professional responsibilities with personal interests. She lives in Dubai with her family and values the city’s cultural diversity and vibrant lifestyle. Archana’s hobbies—canvas painting, cooking, and Zumba—reflect her lively personality and serve as creative outlets that rejuvenate her.

Staying Ahead in a Competitive Industry

Archana actively engages with industry trends and insights to remain at the forefront of the real estate sector. Her strategies include:

• Participating in Networking Events: Building connections and sharing knowledge with industry leaders.
• Leveraging Data Analytics: Analyzing market shifts to anticipate client needs.
• Continuous Learning: Subscribing to market research publications and attending educational sessions.

This proactive approach ensures that she stays informed and equips her with the tools to deliver innovative solutions.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

Archana’s journey offers valuable lessons for those looking to build a business development and account management career. Her advice includes:

• Cultivate Communication Skills: Strong communication is key to understanding and addressing client needs.
• Embrace Integrity: Build trust by maintaining honesty and transparency in all interactions.
• Prioritize Learning: Stay adaptable and open to acquiring new skills.
• Network Strategically: Seek mentorship and connect with professionals who can guide your career.

By following these principles, aspiring professionals can steer the industry’s intricacies and achieve success.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Archana aims to expand Savills Middle East’s footprint by exploring untapped markets and strengthening existing client relationships. She is committed to cultivating innovation and collaboration within her team, ensuring sustainable growth and exceptional service delivery.

Her vision includes mentoring the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the real estate sector.