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Aval Sethi

Delhi, India

I have led large, asset-heavy enterprises across Corporate Real Estate, Property & Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) in India, APAC & the Middle East — with full P&L ownership, multi-country operations, and accountability for people, critical infrastructure, and building long-term stakeholder value.

My career has been defined by one core mandate: Turn complex operations into profitable, scalable, and resilient businesses.

I have managed portfolios exceeding AED 380M+, led 10,000+ teams, and delivered consistent double-digit revenue growth and margin expansion by combining strategic clarity, disciplined execution, and technology-enabled transformation. I am known for building robust CRE strategy, Asset Lifecycle & Portfolio Optimization and leading workplace transformation initiatives in complex environments through a unique blend of strategic thinking, operational depth, and stakeholder alignment across teams.

Across multiple sectors, I have:

• Owned enterprise P&L and EBITDA performance
• Led large multi-site operations across India, APAC & UAE
• Monetized real estate and underutilized assets into new revenue streams
• Driven digital transformation (CAFM, automation, predictive maintenance, analytics)
• Reduced operating costs by 10–20% while improving service outcomes
• Built high-performance leadership teams
• Structured complex commercial agreements and built long-term Strategic Alliance Partnerships
• Ensured governance, compliance, and ESG alignment across mission-critical environments

I have also founded and scaled a procurement and IFM technology venture — giving me the mindset of an operator and the agility of an entrepreneur.

Earlier in my career, serving as a Major in the Indian Army shaped my leadership philosophy: staying calm under pressure, making clear decisions, and being accountable for both people and outcomes.

Today, I focus on enterprise leadership roles where I can help organizations:

? Scale operations across geographies
? Improve profitability and capital efficiency
? Transform legacy service models
? Unlock value from real estate and asset portfolios
? Build future-ready, sustainable workplaces

I am particularly interested in leadership opportunities within Global Property, Facilities Management, and Enterprise workplace services businesses.

Author of two books, Leadership Matters – Perspectives on Leadership and Leadership Odyssey - Timeless Lessons from Greece.

Available For: Consulting, Speaking
Travels From: India
Speaking Topics: Leadership, Innovation, Facility Management, Technology

Aval Sethi Points
Academic 0
Author 127
Influencer 0
Speaker 0
Entrepreneur 0
Total 127

Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.

Thought Leader Profile

Portfolio Mix

Company Information

Company Type:
Minimum Project Size: Undisclosed
Average Hourly Rate: Undisclosed
Number of Employees: Undisclosed
Company Founded Date: Undisclosed

Areas of Expertise

Business Strategy
Change Management
Coaching
Creativity
Digital Transformation
Entrepreneurship
Innovation 30.03
Leadership 31.83
Management 30.04
Procurement 30.16
Supply Chain 30.12
Transformation

Industry Experience

Other
Professional Services
Real Estate

Publications & Experience

7 Article/Blogs
The Swing Route in Football and Leadership: Trusting Your Instincts Amid Chaos
LinkedIn
October 17, 2024
In football, there’s a play that’s often overlooked, yet it can be one of the most effective in a high-pressure situation — the swing route. It’s not flashy or complex like a deep pass or a trick play, but when executed with precision and trust, it can be the difference between a broken play and a pivotal gain. Much like this play on the field, leadership often demands quick decisions in the face of chaos, relying on instincts and trust to turn things around.

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Tags: Leadership

Data Centers: Shaping the Digital Architecture of India and Preparing for AI
LinkedIn
October 16, 2024
In the present, data exists and is connected across multiple data centers, the edge, and public and private clouds. The data center must be able to communicate across multiple sites, both on-premises and in the cloud. Even the public cloud at the end is also a collection of data centers. When applications are hosted in the cloud, they are using data center resources from the cloud provider.

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Tags: Leadership, Data Center

How technology holds the key to successful procurement leadership
linkedin
May 31, 2018
A company looking to diversify and grow invariably needs deployment of technology across functions and procurement is no exception. Strategic areas like demand management, inventory risk management, value engineering, quality/service level management, commodity management and integrated demand or supply planning needs to be complemented by modern technological frameworks.

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Tags: Supply Chain, Procurement, Management

Vision 2020: Taking procurement challenges in stride
linkedin
May 29, 2018
When we talk about procurement, we are well aware of the uncertainty that impacts this function, and the level of uncertainty is set to only increase in the coming few years. With the new industry dynamics such as supply chain localisation and return to re-shoring, overall business climate is moving at a rapid pace in the backdrop of continued volatility in both macro and micro economic environment. Thanks to sharp fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, commodity prices and continued changes in global regulatory and tax environment, global procurement leaders have a whole range of challenges flying in the face.

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Tags: Supply Chain, Procurement

Why Procurement Leaders Should Focus On Innovation and Creativity
linkedin
May 28, 2018
In the coming times, procurement will be more about sourcing ideas than sourcing raw materials, products and services. A company or business will no longer be just about delivery of products or services but about engagement of clients and stakeholders in new and innovative ways. That will be an inflection point for businesses and the change has already begun!

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Tags: Procurement, Leadership, Innovation

Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Procurement and Supply Chain
linkedin
May 28, 2018
In an ever-growing world of internet, data storage and low-cost computing are gathering momentum with advancements in mobile technology which are redefining businesses and are adding value to procurement processes. These disruptive technologies are enabling an altered environment where strategic sourcing is becoming predictive, transactional procurement is becoming automated and supplier management relationship is becoming more proactive.

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Tags: Supply Chain, Procurement, Data Center

Why Organizations Need to Focus on Procurement Efficiency? A Business Case
linkedin
May 25, 2018
For many, procurement may seem to a routine activity in a business however it could be a strategic activity that can save tonnes of money for an organisation if done rightly. Procurement involves arranging supplies at the lowest-possible cost. It also involves monitoring the performance of the supplier, negotiation of agreements favourable to the organisation and maintaining a strong network of suppliers.

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Tags: Supply Chain, Procurement

2 Books
Leadership Matters - Perspectives on Leadership
Notion Press
September 01, 2024
Leadership is a journey—one that challenges, transforms, and defines both the individual and the collective. In a world that is ever-changing, the principles and practices of effective leadership are more crucial than ever. This compendium of Perspectives on Leadership delves into the multifaceted dimensions of leadership, offering insights that are as diverse as they are profound.

Throughout these pages, you will find a blend of time-tested wisdom and contemporary thought. The articles are not just about leading others; they are about leading oneself. They explore the essence of what it means to inspire, influence, and innovate. From the frontlines of everyday challenges to the strategic heights of organizational vision, these pieces address the varied contexts in which leadership manifests.

This book is more of a practical guide, a source of reflection, and a call to action. Whether you are an emerging leader seeking to understand the fundamentals, or an experienced leader aiming to refine your approach, this collection offers something for everyone.

Each chapter stands alone in its depth and detail, yet together, they create a cohesive narrative of what it takes to be an extraordinary leader in today’s complex world. Each chapter intends to make you ponder and introspect on your leadership style, provoke thoughts on your self-actualization, and shed light on a path to see the dynamic interplay of life and the lives of people around the world in new ways.

As you embark on this journey through the chapters ahead, I encourage you to engage deeply with the ideas presented. Reflect on your own experiences, challenge your assumptions, and consider how these principles can be applied in your leadership journey.

In the end, leadership is not just about titles or positions. It is about making a difference—whether in your community, your organization, or the world at large. I hope that these articles inspire you to lead with courage, conviction, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

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Tags: Leadership

Leadership Matters - Perspectives on Leadership
Notion Press
August 30, 2024

See publication

Tags: Leadership

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