STT GDC promotes Bimal Khandelwal as new CEO for India

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), a provider of data centre colocation services based in Singapore, has announced the appointment of Bimal Khandelwal as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for STT GDC India, effective October 5. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for STT GDC India.

Khandelwal takes over from Sumit Mukhija, who has chosen to resign to pursue other personal interests after leading the data centre operations in India since 2016, the company said in a press release.

In his new capacity, Khandelwal will focus on advancing digital transformation for organizations and enterprises across India. 

With over 25 years of experience, Khandelwal has been instrumental in driving the expansion strategy of STT GDC India, which emphasizes responsible development and sustainable growth. Since joining the company in 2017, he has significantly contributed to the establishment of strong financial processes and governance practices, as well as spearheading the capital procurement strategy and growth initiatives. 

In addition, Khandelwal is responsible for overseeing the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. His extensive leadership background includes roles at Idea Cellular, Aircel Ltd. (Maxis Group), Tata Teleservices, and Birla Sun Life, providing him with a wide-ranging and diverse leadership perspective.

“Bimal has been an integral part of our growth story in India for the past seven years, and the Board of Directors and leadership team are confident that, under his leadership, STT GDC India will continue its success and achieve the business goals set for the next five years and beyond,” said Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.

Earlier this month, STT GDC revealed plans to invest $3.2 billion in India to enhance its data centre operations. The Indian unit of STT GDC is majority-owned by STT GDC and currently commands approximately 28 per cent of the market share by revenue in India, with Tata Communications holding a minority stake in the company. 

In India, it currently consists of 28 data centres across 10 cities, with a capacity of more than 318MW. STT GDC announced its third Chennai data centre campus earlier this year, which is scheduled for completion in September 2025. 

STT GDC India has also been recognised as the best colocation services provider in India for six consecutive years and has been consistently acknowledged as a Great Workplace, ranking 14th among mid-size workplaces in India, and 42nd in Asia in 2024.