The evolving demands of Facility Management (FM) in India have created a clear need for companies that can provide customised, scalable and environmentally conscious solutions. SMC, a growing name in integrated FM services, is now stepping into the advanced phase under the leadership of the new CEO, Edward D’souza. With a strategic focus on technology, sustainability and operational depth, Edward aims to reshape the FM landscape, particularly in sectors and geographies that are under-served. In this exclusive interview, he shares SMC’s vision, growth plans and why Tier-II and Tier-III cities hold the key to the future of FM in India.
The real opportunity in facility management lies beyond the metros. Tier 2 and 3 cities are ready for smart, sustainable solutions — and we are building the ecosystem to deliver exactly that.
– Edward D’souza
Q. What direction is SMC taking under your leadership?
We are sharpening our focus on delivering FM services that are not only efficient and high-quality but are also deeply sustainable. Our roadmap is guided by three priorities: technology adoption, ESG-driven solutions, and expansion beyond metropolitan hubs. There is tremendous opportunity in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where infrastructure is growing but facility services are still catching up. We want to be the first movers there.
Q. How will technology drive your strategy?
Technology is not just an enabler; it is a differentiator. We are integrating IoT, CAFM platforms, and automation tools to enhance visibility and predictability in service delivery. But we are also focusing on simplicity. The goal is to make tech adoption seamless for the client while reducing energy use, waste, and inefficiencies. For instance, our smart cleaning schedules, driven by occupancy patterns, are already saving clients up to 18 percent on operational costs.
Q. What does ESG mean for a company like yours?
ESG is no longer optional, it is fundamental to how modern FM must operate. At SMC, our ESG approach begins with the basics: energy audits, water-saving retrofits, waste segregation at source. But we are now moving towards circularity – reusing treated water for landscaping, converting organic waste into compost, and reducing single-use consumables in daily operations. Our people are trained not only in technical skills but in sustainability thinking. Clients are also evolving – they want partners who align with their ESG goals.
Q. What sectors are you targeting for growth?
We are seeing strong demand from sectors such as healthcare, education, logistics, and manufacturing. These are sectors where hygiene, compliance, and uptime are non-negotiable. Our expertise in managing high-sensitivity environments – such as pharma units and hospitals – is helping us stand out. We are also strengthening our presence in co-working and residential community spaces, where customer experience plays a key role.
Q. You spoke about Tier 2 and 3 cities. Why are these important?
The FM market in metros is crowded and competitive. But real India is growing in cities like Nagpur, Surat, Coimbatore, and Indore. These regions are seeing rapid investments in industrial clusters, IT parks, and institutional campuses. However, FM service quality there is fragmented. By building local teams, using regional vendors, and offering service guarantees, we are bringing big-city FM standards to smaller cities. This is also more inclusive – we hire and train local talent, which builds community trust and long-term continuity.
Q. What is your approach to workforce management?
People remain at the core of FM. We invest significantly in training and upskilling – not just for compliance, but to build careers. Our digital onboarding and LMS platforms ensure consistent training delivery, even in remote locations. We are also working on a multilingual mobile app that will allow our field teams to access SOPs, log issues, and receive feedback in real time. FM is about consistency and culture – and that comes from investing in your people.
Q. What is next for SMC?
We will be launching a new ESG-aligned service model by the end of this year. It will include green certifications, carbon footprint tracking, and sustainability reporting integrated into our FM dashboards. We are also expanding into waste management and soft services, where bundled contracts offer clients better value. Internally, we are building an insights team that will use data to continuously improve service outcomes. We want to move from reactive service delivery to predictive FM.
Q. Finally, what do you believe will define the future of FM in India?
Customisation, sustainability, and accountability. Clients no longer want standard packages – they want FM solutions that fit their operational culture and environmental vision. The players who combine tech, talent, and transparency will lead. At SMC, we want to be that kind of partner – future-ready but rooted in ground realities.
