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Devi Shankar, Managing Director of Investment Banking at Anarock, has officially stepped down after a five-year tenure that reshaped India’s data-centre landscape. Under her leadership, Anarock closed deals worth $2.7 billion, including two of the country’s largest data-centre transactions: EverYondr ($1 billion) and Colt-RMZ ($1.7 billion).
Shankar built Anarock’s data-centre vertical from scratch, turning it into a strategic powerhouse that attracted global investors and private equity funds. Her ability to guide market entry, structure complex transactions, and navigate commercial negotiations made her a go-to advisor in alternative real estate.
In a heartfelt farewell message, Shankar wrote “This wasn’t just a job; it was home,” referencing her early-morning arrivals and her signature “Devi Standard Time” exits to beat Mumbai traffic. She extended special thanks to Ankita Sahu, calling her “the backbone for the last five years.”
Her departure marks the close of a 20-year career that includes stints at KPMG, Deloitte, Jones Lang LaSalle, and Ask Property Fund. Known for her precision across deal stages—from introductions to term sheets and due diligence—Shankar is widely regarded as one of India’s top investment bankers in the real estate sector.
Since January 2023, Shankar has also been nurturing a parallel venture: Irea Life, a private fashion label where she serves as creative lead and business adviser. The brand integrates AI-driven tools for customer experience and marketing automation, reflecting her interest in tech-enabled consumer solutions.
While Shankar has hinted at an imminent announcement regarding her next move, she has yet to reveal details. Industry insiders are watching closely to see where she heads next — and what frontier she’ll redefine.
