The modern Indian real estate and infrastructure industry has been revolutionized. At the forefront of this uprising stands Mr. Sanjeev Sachdeva, a dazzling star of legal excellence and corporate acumen, making him one of the most recognized General Counsels to watch out for in 2024.
With a distinguished academic background that includes a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a law degree, both from the prestigious Delhi University, along with the completion of the Company Secretary (Intermediate) Course from the Institute for Company Secretaries of India, Mr. Sanjeev’s credentials are a testament to his dedication and expertise.
Mr. Sanjeev’s professional journey commenced at Paam Pharmaceuticals (Delhi) Limited as an Assistant Company Secretary, where he honed his corporate secretarial skills over five years. His responsibilities included overseeing the corporate and secretarial functions of three widely held listed companies and liaising with regulatory bodies such as SEBI, stock exchanges, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and the erstwhile Company Law Board.
On the Path to Excellence
In his words, Mr. Sanjeev says, “I began my career in corporate secretarial roles and transitioned to legal advisory in corporate, real estate and infrastructure due to my keen interest in corporate laws and real estate and infrastructure transactions. The dynamic nature of law and its potential for significant societal impact motivated me to step into this ecosystem.”
Following this, Mr. Sanjeev joined the esteemed law firm MINE & YOUNG, Advocates & Legal Consultants, New Delhi. Over thirteen years at the firm, he collaborated closely with the Managing Partner Mr. Amitabh Chaturvedi and developed core expertise in legal and corporate matters, including Real Estate, Corporate Laws, and Intellectual Property Rights. He managed a Pan-India real estate portfolio for various multinational corporations, developers and others and provided professional legal services for large-scale real estate and infrastructure transactions, corporate and real estate advisory and supported establishments in the health sector. Additionally, he ventured into real estate and infrastructure litigation, gaining vast experience in corporate advisory, transaction advisory, due diligence, documentation and intellectual property rights.
Seeking new career opportunities, Mr. Sanjeev joined Gumberg India Private Limited as Head of Legal, where he offered his expertise for approximately four years. His work involved legal services with respect to FDI, mall development & construction, project documentation, project execution, leasing with reputed retail brands and developments in the real estate sector, due diligence etc. litigation. Subsequently, he moved to M3M India Private Limited as Senior Vice President – Legal & Secretarial Function. Here, he managed high-stakes land acquisition transactions, litigations, corporate matters, corporate documentation, and transaction documentation for approximately six years.
Mr. Sanjeev then advanced to Emaar India Limited as General Counsel and Head of the Legal Department, India. Here he headed the portfolio of high-end RERA litigations (including RERA mediations), consumer litigation, demerger litigation, land development transactions, high stake erstwhile JV partners litigations, complex land and transactional related documentation and issues, due diligences, corporate matters, corporate documentation, transaction documentation and transaction advisory.
With a professional tenure spanning approximately twenty-eight years, he has consistently provided legal services with vigour, zeal, and professionalism. He has represented clients and companies before various government departments, ministries, and statutory authorities on matters related to Real Estate and Infrastructure Development.
Throughout his career, Mr. Sanjeev has been instrumental in transaction documentation, offering transaction advisory, corporate advisory and managing high-end litigations through close coordination with external legal agencies. His professional traits of ‘sincerity’, ‘integrity’, ‘honesty’, and ‘dedication’ have earned him a well-deserved reputation in his field.
Mr. Sanjeev’s recognizes Mr. D. K. Dhingra, Advocate; Mr. Nikhil Kulshrestha, CS; Mr. Amitabh Chaturvedi, Advocate and Mr. A.K. Maini, a legal professional as his mentors and holds highest regards for them.
Today, as the General Counsel for Elan Group, Mr. Sanjeev’s extensive experience, unwavering commitment, and exemplary leadership in legal and corporate affairs position him as
A Standout General Counsel
Elan Group is a prominent name in the Indian real estate sector, renowned for its exceptional residential and commercial projects. Established with a vision to redefine living and working spaces, Mr. Sanjeev shares that they’ve carved a niche for themselves through a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of customer needs.
According to Mr. Sanjeev, Elan Group’s guiding philosophy is built on three pillars. “Our guiding principles—integrity, innovation, and customer satisfaction—are evident in every aspect of our development process.” These principles are not just words; they are the foundation upon which trust and success are built, he says.
Integrity is paramount. “We believe in conducting all our transactions with transparency and honesty. Customers deserve to have all the information readily available to make informed decisions. We avoid hidden fees or misleading practices, fostering a genuine connection built on trust.”
Innovation is the lifeblood of Elan Group. “We constantly push boundaries, embracing cutting-edge technologies to enhance our products and services. We understand that the landscape is ever-changing, and staying ahead of the curve allows us to deliver the best possible solutions to our customers.”
“Finally, customer satisfaction is the ultimate measure of our success,” says Mr. Sanjeev, ensuring that they listen actively to feedback and use it to refine their offerings continuously. “User-friendliness and effective problem-solving are at the forefront of everything we do. By creating a seamless customer experience, we strive not only to meet expectations but consistently exceed them.”
These core values—integrity, innovation, and customer satisfaction—are more than just a philosophy; they are the driving force behind Elan Group’s decisions and actions. By prioritizing these principles, Mr. Sanjeev ensures that they build strong customer relationships, gain a competitive edge, and ensure sustainable growth for the future.
A Principled Triumph
Mr. Sanjeev furthers that Elan Group stands out in the real estate market for its unwavering commitment to several key principles. First and foremost is a resolute focus on quality. “We use only the finest materials and construction practices, ensuring our projects are not only beautiful but also built to last for generations. This dedication to quality translates into lasting value for our customers.”
Trust is another cornerstone of the Elan Group philosophy. “We understand that buying property is a significant decision, and we strive to build trust through transparency in every step of the process. Open communication and clear information empower our customers to make informed decisions with confidence.”
Sustainability is not just a buzzword for Elan Group; it’s a core principle. Mr Sanjeev adds, “We integrate eco-friendly practices and technologies into our projects, minimizing environmental impact while creating energy-efficient spaces.” This commitment to the future ensures a healthy and sustainable living environment for its residents.
Elan Group doesn’t settle for the ordinary. Mr. Sanjeev says that they push boundaries with innovative designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior. Their design teams are constantly exploring new ideas and implementing cutting-edge concepts to create truly unique living and commercial experiences.
Finally, Elan Group prioritizes strategic locations. “We understand that a property’s location plays a crucial role in its value and overall experience,” says Mr. Sanjeev, adding that their projects are situated in prime areas with excellent connectivity, access to amenities, and high growth potential.
This combination of unwavering commitment to quality, trust, sustainability, innovative design, and strategic location sets Elan Group apart. “Our relentless pursuit of excellence and deep customer focus has earned us a well-deserved reputation as one of the leading developers in the real estate market. We don’t just build properties; we create experiences that redefine what’s possible in real estate.”
The Trustworthy Leader
Recognized as a driving force behind Elan Group’s tremendous success, Mr. Sanjeev’s approach to leadership involves fostering a collaborative environment, encouraging continuous learning, and empowering team members. He says, “By promoting a culture of trust and accountability, we build strong, motivated teams that drive organizational success.”
The essence of future real estate lies in innovation, disruptions, and enhancing the end-user experience. Accepting this fact, Mr. Sanjeev says that by integrating innovative technologies and incorporating sustainable, technology-driven infrastructure, they streamline operations while maintaining a strong focus on understanding and exceeding customer expectations. “Regular feedback loops and adaptive strategies help us achieve operational excellence and high customer satisfaction.”
Mr. Sanjeev also believes that digitalization and technological advancements are crucial aspects of the modern real estate ecosystem. He adds, “We leverage digital platforms for sales, marketing, and customer service and use advanced construction technologies to enhance project efficiency and quality. Our commitment to continuous technological integration ensures we remain at the forefront of industry innovation.”
Transformational Ethos
Elan Group has achieved remarkable success. Mr. Sanjeev highlights one transformative project: Elan Miracle. The iconic retail landmark is a gleaming combination of high-street retail, hospitality, and vibrant entertainment. “This project exemplifies our commitment to excellence and innovation, setting new benchmarks in the real estate industry,” he states.
Mr. Sanjeev ardently believes that the workforce is the cornerstone of every successful organization. He says, “We foster a culture of growth by providing continuous training, encouraging professional development, and recognizing employee achievements.” Empowerment comes from entrusting employees with responsibilities and supporting them with the resources they need to succeed.
As a leader in India’s real estate sector, Elan Group has faced its share of challenges. Sharing one particular incident, Mr. Sanjeev recalls, “During the pandemic, our team’s resilience and ingenuity were evident in how we swiftly adapted to remote working and digital customer engagement.” This quick adaptation ensured business continuity and client satisfaction despite unprecedented challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed reshaped industries globally, says Mr. Sanjeev. “At Elan Group, we have developed robust contingency plans, including digital transformation, flexible work arrangements, and diversified supply chains. These measures ensure that we are better prepared to handle future uncertainties and maintain operational stability,” he informs.
A Prolific Advice
A thriving business landscape is the backbone of a robust Indian economy. Businesses act as catalysts, accelerating the nation’s economic potential and capacity for growth. They create jobs, drive innovation, and contribute significantly to the national GDP.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, says Mr. Sanjeev, the path to success is paved with strong values. Integrity should be the cornerstone of every business decision. Building trust with customers, partners, and employees fosters a positive environment that encourages collaboration and growth.
Innovation is the lifeblood of any successful business. The ability to adapt to changing market conditions and embrace new technologies is crucial for staying ahead of the curve. Continual innovation allows companies to offer unique solutions and cater to evolving customer needs.
But a relentless focus on value is paramount, insists Mr. Sanjeev. Businesses must prioritize delivering exceptional value to their customers. This means understanding customer pain points and crafting solutions that effectively address those needs. Value can encompass superior quality, competitive pricing, exceptional service, or a combination of these factors.
The real estate sector, in particular, demands a focus on relationship building and market understanding, says Mr. Sanjeev. Developing strong networks with investors, contractors, and regulatory bodies is essential for smooth project execution. Additionally, a deep understanding of market trends, demographics, and location dynamics allows real estate developers to make informed decisions that lead to long-term success. “By fostering strong relationships and staying attuned to market needs, entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of the real estate sector and build a flourishing business,” he states.
Scripting India’s Growth Story
Looking ahead, in 2024, he envisions Elan Group expanding its footprint with more innovative and sustainable projects. “We aim to set new standards in real estate and infrastructure development, enhancing urban living and contributing significantly to India’s growth story,” concludes Mr. Sanjeev, whose contributions and influence are set to shape the present and future of the real estate industry.
