Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As of 30 June 2024, CLI had S$134 billion of assets under management, as well as S$100 billion of funds under management held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in thematic and tactical strategies. Its diversified real estate asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage and data centres.
CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm.
As a responsible company, CapitaLand places sustainability at the core of what it does. The refreshed 2030 Sustainability Master Plan integrates CLI’s commitment to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reduce scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 46% by 2030. CapitaLand contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
In India, CapitaLand Investment Limited has a dynamic presence across key cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Gurgaon, Kolkata and Pune, managing over 40 business parks and assets in industrial, logistics, lodging, and data centers. The company is steadfast in expanding its footprint and driving growth, particularly in the fast-evolving Indian data center landscape.
| Strong Presence in India | CLI India has a diverse portfolio with over 20 businesses and IT parks, as well as assets in industrial, logistics, lodging, and data centres. |
| Key Cities | Mumbai Bangalore Chennai Hyderabad Goa Gurgaon Kolkata Pune |
| Commitment to Growth | With a focus on expanding its footprint, CLI India is poised to enhance its investments and continue its growth strategy in the dynamic Indian real estate market. |
CapitaLand Data Centre: Driving Innovation and Sustainability
As a critical arm of CLI’s diverse portfolio, the Data Centre business is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. With a focus on supporting digital transformation across industries, CLI’s data centres are designed to offer state-of-the-art infrastructure while minimizing environmental impact.
In India, the Data Centre entity has emerged as a pivotal player, delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet the growing demand for secure, scalable, and sustainable data infrastructure. By fostering partnerships, investing in green technology, and adhering to stringent global operational standards, CapitaLand Data Centres exemplify CLI’s vision of responsible growth.
Surajit Chatterjee: Redefining Data centre Operations with Vision, Integrity Sustainability
At the helm of CLI’s Data Centre (DC) business in India is Surajit Chatterjee, the Managing Director. A seasoned leader with over 27 years of experience in IT, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure, Surajit has played a transformative role in establishing and expanding CLI’s Data Centre footprint in India.
Under Surajit’s leadership, CapitaLand Investment Limited has successfully launched state-of-the-art data centres, including a flagship facility in Mumbai, as well as significant DC projects in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. These milestones highlight his ability to navigate complex challenges, from regulatory hurdles to logistical constraints, while fostering collaboration and driving innovation within his team. Each DC facility reflects CLI’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of its clients and partners.
Inspiring Career Journey in Business
Surajit’s career trajectory reflects his passion for technology and innovation. A commerce graduate from Delhi University, he also holds an MBA in Marketing Management and has completed the General Management Programme at IIM Indore. His extensive experience spans key roles at organizations like Sify Technologies, Tata Communications, and HCL, where he developed innovative business models and managed large-scale digital infrastructure projects.
Surajit’s leadership philosophy is rooted in resilience, adaptability, and integrity. Whether addressing unexpected project delays or adapting operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasizes transparency, teamwork, and continuous learning to drive success.
From Tech Enthusiast to Visionary Leader
Surajit Chatterjee’s journey to leadership began with an innate fascination for technology and its transformative power. Early in his career, he was captivated by the rapid advancements in data centre technology and their potential to revolutionize business operations. This passion for innovation naturally steered him toward a leadership role at CapitaLand Investment, where he now drives technological progress and operational excellence.
Over time, his focus expanded beyond technology to include a profound commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Today, Surajit’s leadership philosophy blends cutting-edge innovation with a dedication to ensuring that CapitaLand Investment’s operations positively impact both the environment and society. This holistic approach defines his vision and inspires him to create a lasting legacy in the industry.
Key Milestones: Collaboration and Resilience
One of the defining moments in Surajit’s leadership journey was spearheading the development of a major data centre in a region fraught with logistical and environmental challenges. This project demanded exceptional technical expertise, meticulous planning, and a collaborative mindset. Through resilience and teamwork, Surajit and his team turned obstacles into opportunities, demonstrating the power of adaptability and diverse perspectives.
“My experience in the startup environment, where I helped build businesses from the ground up, has greatly influenced my leadership philosophy,” says Surajit.
His ability to approach challenges from the ground level, coupled with a focus on innovation and inclusivity, has been instrumental in his success. A standout achievement in his career was the launch of a state-of-the-art mega data centre in Mumbai. This ambitious AI-ready and hyperscale designed DC project not only positions CapitaLand as a strong Data Centre player in the market but also reinforced Surajit’s belief in the value of collaborative leadership.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Surajit views challenges as stepping stones to growth. For instance, when unexpected regulatory hurdles delayed a critical project, he encouraged his team to utilize the downtime to refine processes, enhance strategies, and focus on areas within their control. This proactive approach transformed a setback into an opportunity to strengthen the team’s problem-solving capabilities and resilience.
Balancing Vision with Agility
In today’s dynamic business environment, balancing strategic vision with agility is essential. Surajit achieves this by staying attuned to industry trends, fostering a culture of flexibility, and empowering his team to adapt quickly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, CapitaLand swiftly adjusted its operations to prioritize employee safety while continuing to meet customer demands. This experience underscored the importance of adaptability in achieving long-term goals.
Decision-Making: A Blend of Analysis and Intuition
Effective decision-making, according to Surajit, requires a harmonious blend of analytical rigor and intuition. He ensures that decisions are informed by thorough data analysis and stakeholder input while aligning with the company’s strategic objectives. By maintaining transparency about the decision-making process, he fosters trust and ensures alignment across teams.
Cultivating Innovation and Inclusion
Surajit firmly believes that innovation thrives in a culture that values inclusivity and creativity. He fosters an environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas and take risks. Regular brainstorming sessions, cross-team collaborations, and access to resources for innovative projects are integral to his leadership approach.
At CapitaLand Investment, innovation is not just about staying ahead in a competitive market; it’s about driving sustainable growth and meeting evolving customer needs. Initiatives such as employee learning groups and open forums for feedback reflect the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Leadership through Mentorship and Example
Exceptional leaders inspire others by leading with integrity and embodying the values they promote. Surajit’s leadership style is characterized by approachability, transparency, and a commitment to empowering his team. He actively mentors emerging leaders, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who shaped my growth. I strive to pay it forward by mentoring others and creating an environment where everyone feels valued,” says Surajit.
A Vision for the Future of Data Centres
Surajit’s guiding principles—integrity, transparency, and authenticity—are foundational to his leadership philosophy. These values not only help him navigate challenges but also inspire his team to create a positive, cohesive workplace culture.
Looking ahead, Surajit is committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the data centre industry. He aspires to leave a legacy marked by environmental stewardship and community development, inspiring the next generation of leaders to prioritize innovation and responsibility.
Under Surajit’s leadership, CapitaLand Investment’s Data Centre business is poised to redefine industry standards, delivering transformative solutions that contribute to a sustainable and inclusive future.
Company Overview –
| Featured Person | Surajit Chatterjee, Managing Director of Data Centre, India |
| Company Name | CapitaLand Investment |
| Company Headquarters | Singapore |
| Featured Person’s LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chatterjee-surajit/ |
| Company URL | https://www.capitalanddc.com |
