In the dynamic finance world, few figures have carved such a victorious path as Deepak Chotwani. Based in the bustling city of Mumbai, Deepak is a passionate leader, seasoned business management professional, and trailblazer whose career spans over two decades of journey across leading finance companies. He holds extensive expertise in efficiently handling a high-performing and motivated team, stakeholders, and Board Members as a strategic adviser/business partner, and accelerates the business growth.
As the Managing Director, India, of Buro Happold, Deepak Chotwani has been overseeing the operations across three offices in the Indian sub-continent. Today, he is known as Finanice Growth Catalyst, a sought-after expert in local accounting, tax, legal, compliance, and company secretarial laws, leading business transformation and sustainability-based growth. He further holds an excellent record of performance turnaround by cost reduction, margin enhancement, and solid focus while managing the business operations.
His journey as an Experienced Business Management professional is a testament to the belief that true leadership begins with purpose—a purpose that fuels growth and fosters collective success.
Educational Pursuits: Nurturing the Seeds of Leadership
Deepak Chotwani’s journey began with a passion to shape impact and create a change in people’s lives. Raised in Mumbai with a strong interest in calculations, he developed early interests in finance, leadership, and the intersections of the business realm, setting the stage for his future career trajectory.
His academic foundation demonstrates a pursuit of excellence. Eager to expand his horizons and delve deeper, Deepak embarked on a transformative journey by earning a Master’s degree in finance and marketing at the University of Wales, UK. Before that, he graduated in finance from the University of Rajasthan in India, which solidified his expertise in the finance and marketing field.
Deepak’s academic journey took shape as he graduated with a major in finance. Throughout this period, he enhanced his skills in strategic thinking, market analysis, and finance, laying a solid foundation for his future outlook in the corporate world.
This experience not only broadened his perspective as a numbers person but also equipped him with the strategic acumen and leadership capabilities essential for making the services greener, carbon efficient, and business more client and people-centric, navigating the complex dynamics of the global business landscape.
Early Career: Carving Pathways in Global Business
Armed with a robust educational background and a passion for growth, Deepak ventured into the professional realm to create a lasting impact. Her early career saw her assume diverse roles in finance, as Finance Manager, Finance Controller, MD, and Director, where he demonstrated his excellence in handling cash flow, empowering business, and driving business growth.
Deepak joined Relocasia as the Finance Controller (South, East Asia). The company is involved in offering moving and storage services. Before that, he worked as the Finance Controller at Epic Group, handling cash flow, controlling expenses, and efficiently managing the treasury function and credit facilities with banks. Moving ahead, Deepak took on the role of Manager, Finance at Goldtex Limited. In this company, he managed credit facilities and payment schedules and served as an authorized signatory. Working at the same position, he became a part of The Rosha Group, handling the same kinds of tasks.
From his tenure at esteemed companies such as Rosha Group, Goldtex Limited, and Epic Group, where he served in executive positions, to reaching the leading position as the Partner & Regional Managing Director of Buro Happold in India, Deepak’s journey was characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a dedication to driving growth.
Leading Buro Happold with a Purpose
Armed with years of expertise and a solid purpose, Deepak Chotwani became a part of Buro Happold, where his professional career flourished and reached new heights of success. As the Partner and member of the Global Leadership Team, Deepak is responsible for managing the overall business of Buro Happold in the Indian region. He actively leads major strategic and growth initiatives, empowering the company’s growth.
As Deepak mentioned, “My personal values: creativity, leadership, and innovation are key driving factors behind everything I do, from leading the company’s major endeavors to empowering the team’s growth in a positive work environment.” His current role continues this trajectory. Through his work at the Buro Happold, he engaged in various operational and managerial responsibilities. His ability to balance the company’s growth with the team’s individual needs positioned him as a credible leader in both arenas.
Deepak joined the company in 2013, and since then, he has held numerous positions. For dynamic approach and visionary leadership, he is renowned as a business-focused transformational leader. Another distinctive factor about his journey is that he comes up with more than 20 years spanning four continents.
Earlier, Deepak successfully managed Buro Happold’s business in APAC, when he worked with the regional teams to foster the growth of the Hong Kong & China business and provided strategic direction to the regional leadership.
Turning Challenges into Strategy
Throughout his years of journey, Deepak faced numerous challenges, from leading a motivated team to handling finance-related tasks, and so on. Instead of getting demotivated by the hurdles, Deepak focused on understanding each issue from the depths and thoughts of the different ways in which he can convert these challenges into success.
Deepak began by getting the fundamental knowledge of each business before he actually began his journey, including his executive and leadership roles. He made plans and crafted strategies that allowed him to rebuild his confidence every time he felt low and led with empathy and clarity. What began as a journey to lead quickly grew into something more impactful.
Buro Happold: Delivering Excellence in Engineering
Buro Happold, a pioneering firm of engineers, designers, and advisors, offers top-notch, elegant, sustainable solutions that positively impact communities and the environment.
It is a global level integrated consultancy of engineers, designers , and advisers. For over four and a half decades, the company has successfully built an incredible reputation by delivering creative, value-led solutions to benefit people, places, and the planet.
As described by its clients as ‘passionate’, ‘innovative’ and ‘collaborative’, Buro Happold is a beacon for delivering exceptionally complex projects on every continent. The company works with the world’s leading architectural practices and organisations, such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and C40 Cities. Through its global community of driven, world-leading engineering, advisory, and design professionals, Buro Happold is actively working to takcle the major challenges in an ever-evolving world.
Beyond the Boardroom: Creating a Change
Deepak’s aspirations extend beyond finance and business growth. He is an innovator, a trailblazer, and an inspiration for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs. He often guides the future leaders through meaningful conversations. Whether he is guiding the team for any particular initiative or handling the finance operations, Deepak continuously seeks ways to empower individuals to lead with purpose.
From strengthening Buro Happold’s presence across the global market to taking the steps that drive inclusive growth, Deepak is determined to lead the company on a successful trajectory while unlocking opportunities for continuous development on both regional and global levels. Deepak’s journey is still far from finished. Rather, it is emerging as an example that encourages booming entrepreneurs and global leaders to see businesses beyond profits and work towards collaborative growth with courage, strategy, and purpose.
As he looks ahead, his goals remain clear: to help businesses and individuals create growth opportunities and succeed in their endeavors.
Achievements and Milestones: A Quick Glance
Deepak’s career reflects a unique combination of dedication, hard work, and diplomacy. He has been globally recognised and honoured for his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the business world. Presently, in the leading position at Buro Happold, he is charting a bold new pathway for growth.
Under Deepak’s leadership, Buro Happold has scaled new heights of success and established itself as a prominent British professional services firm. The company has become synonymous with excellence in engineering consultancy, design, planning, project management, and consulting services for buildings, infrastructure, and the environment. Initially started in the Middle East, the firm is presently operating across the world, especially in India. The company has established itself as a pioneer because of Deepak’s strategic approach and visionary outlook.
Impact and Legacy
Deepak’s impact in the business realm goes far beyond his professional achievements and success. Through his dynamic leadership, unwavering commitment to growth, and commitment to creating change, he has completely defined the narrative of corporate growth, empowering teams at all levels to unlock their full potential and thrive in an ever-evolving business environment.
For emerging entrepreneurs, key executives, and aspiring leaders, Deepak Chotwani’s career path serves as a perfect blueprint for building businesses that thrive on teamwork, trust, vision, and collective success.
His years of expertise and in-depth industry knowledge create a legacy, serving as an ideal source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers. His journey perfectly testifies to the remarkable power of passion, innovation, and resilience in creating significant change in the corporate world.