Industry veteran Ram Devagiri joins Knight Frank India as Head of Facility Management

Mumbai, July 31, 2017: Knight Frank India, one of the leading International Property Consultants, inducted a global veteran to further fortify its leadership team. Ram Devagiri has joined Knight Frank as Executive Director and Head of Facility Management Services (FMS) reinstating Knight Frank’s intent to bolster the Facility Management business. Nellie Samuel, who headed Facility Management for the past 17 years has decided to pursue interests outside Knight Frank.

Ram comes with more than 20 years of experience in senior management roles in the property and professional services sector across three continents. Business strategy development, multi-client operations, change management, customer retention strategy, business development and process improvement for large organisations have been Ram’s areas of expertise. Until recently, Ram was Director Operations Australia for Sodexo, where he was responsible for the strategic management and operational delivery of an Integrated Facilities Management portfolio. Prior to Sodexo, Ram worked in Compass Group, Australia where he devised and implemented client relationship programmes for key accounts.

An illustrious career that began with the hospitality sector, the subsequent two decades saw him don multiple hats in more than one walk including setting up Australia’s first indigenous carbon management start-up and generating business for an ultra-niche residential segment for senior living.

“I am excited to announce the appointment of Ram Devagiri as Head of Facility Management Services. He will bring the right blend of energy and experience that will be crucial for our FM growth strategy. The multifaceted global experience in integrated facilities management across sectors that Ram brings with him will add to the strength of our dynamic leadership team. I believe that the brand Knight Frank should be synonymous with thought-leadership across all domains,” says Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India.

Ram Devagiri adds, “This is a great opportunity for me to be part of the competitive business environment in India. India today is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The swiftly growing services sector is creating huge potential for facility management. This strong growth will be accompanied by an increasing need to innovate with both service delivery and technology deployment. The market is gradually maturing to be at par with global standards. In a nutshell, it is perhaps the most conducive time to strengthen the FM business in the country.”