Alaminsorker: Stub

2026-03-19T21:09:37Z

Stub

New page

{{Short description|Indian athlete}}
{{COI|date=March 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Nirupa Shankar
| image = Nirupa Shankar (cropped).jpg
| father = M. R. Jaishankar
| family = [[Pavitra Shankar]] (sister)
| awards =
| website = {{Official website|https://www.brigadegroup.com/about-us/board-of-directors}}
| birth_place = [[Bangalore]], Karnakata, India
| birth_date =
| citizenship = Indian
| education = [[Hospitality management studies|Masters in Hospitality Management]]<br>[[Bachelor of Economics]]
| alma_mater = [[Cornell University]]<br>[[University of Virginia]]
| occupation = {{hlist|Entrepreneur|sportswoman|Joint Managing Director, [[Brigade Group]]|Founder, Brigade REAP}}
| organization = [[Brigade Group]]
}}

'''Nirupa Shankar''' is an Indian entrepreneur and [[athlete]]. She serves as joint managing director of [[Brigade Group]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kandala |first=Satya |date=2014-08-01 |title=Adventure sports helps me face my fears: Brigade Hospitality's director Nirupa Shankar |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/adventure-sports-helps-me-face-my-fears-brigade-hospitalitys-director-nirupa-shankar/articleshow/39410319.cms |access-date= |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Manoj |date=2025-04-11 |title=She means business: How women are conquering unconventional industries |url=https://www.fortuneindia.com/long-reads/she-means-business-how-women-are-conquering-unconventionalindustries/121706 |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=Fortune India |language=en}}</ref> a [[Bengaluru]]-based real estate company founded by her father, M. R. Jaishankar.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2021-05-26 |title=Building a Symphony |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/network/story/building-a-symphony-297008-2021-05-26 |access-date= |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref> Prior to this role, she was the company's executive director. In 2016, she oversaw the launch of the Brigade Real Estate Accelerator Program (REAP), an initiative aimed at supporting tech startups in real estate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-13 |title=Brigade REAP wants to be the go-to accelerator for realty-tech startups in India |url=https://www.techcircle.in/2018/11/13/brigade-reap-wants-to-be-the-go-to-accelerator-for-realty-tech-startups-in-india |access-date= |website=Techcircle |language=en}}</ref>

Shankar was honored as a Young Turk on [[CNBC]] and included in [[the Economic Times|Economic Times]]' 40 under 40 list.<ref name="campdenfb"/><ref name="economictimes"/>

She is also an athlete and has competed in [[marathon]]s and [[triathlon]]s,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The triathlete in the corner office |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/sunday-read/the-triathlete-in-the-corner-office/articleshow/65182009.cms |access-date= |website=Mumbai Mirror |language=en}}</ref> including the 2021 [[Ironman Triathlon|Ironman triathlon]] in [[Copenhagen|Copenhagen, Denmark]], where she was the sole female participant from India.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Gowda |first=Dese |date=29 August 2023 |title=Nirupa Shankar: The Ironwoman |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2023/aug/29/nirupa-shankar-theironwoman-2609596.html |access-date= |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rajagopal |first=Rashmi |title=Bengaluru athlete successfully completes Copenhagen Ironman |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/bengaluru-athlete-successfully-completes-copenhagen-ironman-2674394 |access-date= |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==
Born and brought up in [[Bangalore]],<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Rolling out the red carpet |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/supplement/story/20140317-rolling-out-the-red-carpet-800410-1999-11-29 |access-date=|website=India Today |date=30 November 1999 |language=en}}</ref> Shankar graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics from the [[University of Virginia]] and pursued a master's in management in hospitality from [[Cornell University]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Brigade Hospitality |work=Hotelier India |url=https://www.hotelierindia.com/lists/6938-nirupa-shankar}}</ref> Shankar worked as a senior business analyst with [[Ernst & Young|Ernst & Young LLP]] in [[New York (state)|New York]], [[Washington, D.C.|Washington DC]], and [[North Carolina]].<ref name=":5" />

== Career ==
Shankar joined the family business, [[Brigade Group]], a publicly traded real estate and property development firm founded in 1986 by her father, M. R. Jaishankar, who serves as its [[Chair (officer)|executive chairman]].<ref name=":4" /> She is responsible for overseeing operations related to hospitality, office, and retail properties, in addition to managing human resources, public relations, and innovation functions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 February 2024 |title=With quality products, Brigade transforms real estate |url=https://businessindia.co/magazine/with-quality-products-brigade-transforms-real-estate |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=businessindia.co |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, she was appointed Joint Managing Director,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-03-18 |title=Nikhil Kamath's Gruhas and Brigade Group launch ₹200 cr Earth Fund for real-estate, urban innovation |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/nikhil-kamaths-gruhas-and-brigade-group-launch-200-cr-earth-fund-for-real-estate-urban-innovation/article69344473.ece |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=BusinessLine |language=en}}</ref> while her sister, [[Pavitra Shankar]], became the managing director.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-10-11 |title=Brigade Group succession plan {{!}} Pavitra Shankar appointed as MD; Nirupa Shankar is Joint MD |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/real-estate/brigade-group-succession-plan-pavitra-shankar-appointed-as-md-nirupa-shankar-is-new-joint-md-9312491.html |access-date= |website=Moneycontrol |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=12 October 2022 |title=Brigade announces elevation of top management |url=https://www.hotelierindia.com/operations/brigade-announces-elevation-of-top-management |work=Hotelier India}}</ref> Brigade Group operates in several cities, including [[Bengaluru]], [[Mangalore]], [[Mysore]], [[Chennai]], [[Kochi]], [[Hyderabad]], [[Chikmagalur]], and [[Ahmedabad]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-15 |title=The Brigade Group: Building unique spaces across a diverse real estate portfolio |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/the-brigade-group-building-unique-spaces-across-a-diverse-real-estate-portfolio-1.1660578074912 |access-date= |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}</ref>

Shankar is also a trustee of the Brigade Foundation, a not-for-profit trust established by the Brigade Group.<ref name=":3" />

In 2025, Shankar co-founded Earth Fund, a [[Securities and Exchange Board of India|SEBI]]-registered [[Alternative investment|alternative investment fund]] created as a joint venture between Brigade Group and Gruhas. The fund invests in early-stage startups in property technology, construction technology, and sustainability sectors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nikhil Kamath's Gruhas, Brigade launch Rs 300 cr realty-focused fund |url=https://www.business-standard.com/companies/start-ups/brigade-group-nikhil-kamath-s-gruhas-launch-rs-300-crore-earth-fund-125031800882_1.html |website=Business Standard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Khan |first=Sobia |date=2025-03-18 |title=Brigade and Gruhas launch Rs 300 cr Earth Fund to drive real estate tech and sustainability solutions |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/property-/-cstruction/brigade-and-gruhas-launch-rs-300-cr-earth-fund-to-drive-real-estate-tech-and-sustainability-solutions/articleshow/119158960.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-06-10 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

She also serves as managing director of Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited, the hospitality subsidiary of Brigade Enterprises, established in 2016. As of 2025, the subsidiary operates nine hotels across South India. In July 2025, Brigade Hotel Ventures launched an initial public offering and was subsequently listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-24 |title=Brigade Hotels IPO opens; MD Nirupa Shankar details luxury expansion and zero debt plan - CNBC TV18 |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/market/brigade-hotels-ipo-opens-md-nirupa-shankar-details-luxury-expansion-and-zero-debt-plan-19642963.htm |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=CNBCTV18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-04 |title=Brigade Hotel Ventures IPO Plans: Joint MD Nirupa Shankar on expansion plans in Kerala, growth strategy – What investors should watch out for |url=https://www.etnownews.com/markets/brigade-hotel-ventures-ipo-plans-joint-md-nirupa-shankar-on-expansion-plans-in-kerala-growth-strategy-what-investors-should-watch-out-for-article-151234016 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=ET Now |language=en}}</ref>

=== Sport career ===
Following the birth of her first child, Nirupa Shankar started pursuing running in 2015 and joined a local joggers' club,<ref name=":1" /> where she discovered the challenges of endurance races.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The triathlete in the corner office |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/sunday-read/the-triathlete-in-the-corner-office/articleshow/65180588.cms |access-date= |website=Bangalore Mirror |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahuja |first=Simran |title=Driven by determination |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2021/apr/08/driven-by-determination-2287153.html |access-date= |website=The New Indian Express|date=8 April 2021 }}</ref>

Shankar has taken part in [[marathon]]s and [[triathlon]] events. In 2021, she participated in a sprint (short-distance) triathlon in [[Croatia]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Prasad |first=Sanath |title=Bangalore-based real estate professional to compete in Croatia Ironman triathlon |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/oct/10/bangalore-based-real-estate-professional-to-compete-in-croatia-ironman-triathlon-2368927.html |access-date= |website=The New Indian Express|date=11 October 2021 }}</ref> beginning her training six months after the birth of her second child.<ref name=":1" />

In March of the same year, she also joined the [[Ironman 70.3|half Ironman]] in [[Dubai]]. Her training for the 2023 Ironman commenced in January of that year.<ref name=":1" />

In 2023, she competed in the annual [[Ironman Triathlon|Ironman triathlon]] in [[Copenhagen|Copenhagen, Denmark]], held in August.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 August 2023 |title=The Ironwoman |url=https://www.magzter.com/stories/newspaper/The-Morning-Standard/THE-IRONWOMAN |access-date= |website=Magzter |language=en}}</ref> Shankar was the only Indian female participant in this triathlon, which comprised a 3.8-kilometre swim, a 180-kilometre cycle ride, and a full marathon distance of 42.2 kilometers. In her first attempt at the Ironman, Shankar crossed the finish line in 14 hours, 47 minutes, and 41 seconds.<ref name=":2" />

== Recognition ==
* '''2016''': Restaurant Owner of the Year at the Hospitality Leaders’ Industry Choice Awards<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Nirupa Shankar - Author Biography |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/author/nirupa-shankar |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=Entrepreneur |language=en}}</ref>
* '''2020''': Her company, Brigade REAP, won the National Startup Awards in the Incubators & Accelerators category.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Incubators & Accelerators-National Startup Awards 2020 |url=https://www.startupindia.gov.in/nsa/incubators-accelerators.html |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=www.startupindia.gov.in}}</ref>
* '''2021''': Received ‘ET 40 Under Forty:’ India Inc's Top Young Leaders 2021<ref name="economictimes">{{Cite web |title=ET 40 Under Forty: India Inc's Top Young Leaders 2021 - Top Young Leaders 2021 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/et-40-under-forty-india-incs-top-young-leaders-2021/ankit-agarwal-38/slideshow/90744257.cms |access-date= |website=The Economic Times}}</ref>
* '''2023''': Listed in the Power List 2023 by Hotelier India<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 September 2020 |title=Power List 2020 - Hotelier India |work=Hotelier India |url=https://www.hotelierindia.com/list/power-list-2020}}</ref>
* She received recognition from [[CNBC]] as a Young Turk.<ref name="campdenfb">{{Cite web |title=Nirupa Shankar: The art of learning by doing {{!}} Campden FB |url=https://www.campdenfb.com/article/nirupa-shankar-interview-the-art-of-learning-by-doing |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=campdenfb}}</ref>
* '''2024''': [[Business Today (India)|Business Today]]'s Most Powerful Women 2024 list<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-08 |title=Trailblazers on Business Today's Most Powerful Women 2024 list |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/trailblazers-on-business-today-most-powerful-women-2024-list-2630545-2024-11-08 |access-date= |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
* '''2025''': Shankar was included in [[Fortune (magazine)|''Fortune'' India]]'s list of the Most Powerful Women in Business.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Powerful Women 2025: This Year's Top Women in Business |url=https://www.fortuneindia.com/rankings/most-powerful-women/2025 |access-date=2025-06-10 |website=Fortune India |language=en}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shankar, Nirupa}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Bengaluru]]
[[Category:Athletes from Bengaluru]]
[[Category:Businesswomen from Karnataka]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Cornell University alumni]]
[[Category:Indian female triathletes]]
[[Category:Indian women marathon runners]]

Nirupa Shankar - Revision history

Alaminsorker: Stub