In an era where India’s smaller cities are emerging as powerful economic engines, visionary entrepreneurs are redefining traditional industries. Among them is Zulfi Azad, a globally exposed business strategist who is now reshaping the real estate sector with a structured and organized approach — particularly across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
With a professional journey rooted in branding, media management, and strategic consultancy, Zulfi Azad built his foundation during his tenure at PLAN MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, where he worked closely with globally respected institutions. His portfolio includes collaborations with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Bank of America, FUJIFILM, DLF Limited, Ansal Group, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). These engagements sharpened his understanding of corporate governance, brand positioning, and structured business execution.

Global Exposure, Strategic Perspective
Zulfi Azad’s professional footprint extends far beyond India. Across the African continent, he provided consultancy services to leading industrial giants including the Dangote Group, African Industries Group, Mikano International, and HFP Engineering Nigeria Limited. His extensive travels and advisory roles in developing economies gave him first-hand exposure to high-growth infrastructure markets.
In the Middle East, his consultancy extended to organizations such as VALAF, Indemnity Insurance, and ALfaan Interior, further strengthening his cross-border business acumen.

The Real Estate Shift
After years of working with structured global enterprises, Zulfi Azad identified a significant gap in India’s real estate ecosystem — particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. While metropolitan hubs have long benefited from organized developers and transparent advisory systems, smaller cities often operate through informal networks with limited professional structuring.
Recognizing this opportunity, he launched a new business initiative focused on organizing the real estate sector in emerging urban centers. His model emphasizes transparency, ethical practices, proper documentation, digital systems, and strategic investment planning.

Building the Future in Emerging Cities
Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are fast becoming the backbone of India’s next economic expansion. With expanding infrastructure, improving connectivity, and rising aspirations among young populations, these markets present immense investment potential.
Zulfi Azad’s venture is committed to identifying high-growth residential and commercial opportunities in these cities while offering investors structured advisory support. The focus is not merely on property transactions but on creating a reliable, organized ecosystem where buyers and investors feel informed, secure, and strategically guided.

A Vision Beyond Transactions
For Zulfi Azad, real estate is not just about land and buildings — it is about systematizing opportunity. His mission is to elevate the standards of consultancy in developing markets and to bring corporate-level professionalism to cities that represent India’s next growth frontier.
As smaller cities rise and economic decentralization accelerates, leaders like Zulfi Azad are setting the foundation for a more organized, transparent, and trustworthy real estate future.

Romania’s Cotnari Winery is one of the oldest and most celebrated names in Eastern Europe’s wine heritage. With a legacy that stretches back centuries, Cotnari is now expanding its footprint across the globe — including in India. We spoke with Mihai Necula, Export Business Development Manager at Cotnari Wines, to learn about his journey, motivations, and the brand’s vision for connecting Romanian authenticity with global audiences.

From Business to Wine: A Journey of Passion

“I have a background in international business and marketing,” Mihai begins. “My journey into the wine world came from both passion and curiosity for authentic products that carry cultural identity. Working with Cotnari allowed me to blend professional experience with heritage — wine isn’t just a product, it’s a story that connects people, cultures, and traditions.”

Motivated by Heritage and Connection

For Mihai, representing Romanian excellence is more than a job; it’s a mission.
“My greatest motivation comes from helping people around the world discover our native grape varieties. Every partnership and every glass of Cotnari wine enjoyed abroad proves that heritage and authenticity still matter.”

Cotnari’s New Chapter in India

India marks a new beginning for Cotnari. “We’re in the process of establishing our first strategic partnerships,” Mihai explains. “Our aim is to collaborate with select distributors and hotel groups who value authenticity and long-term cooperation. We’re proud to be the first Romanian winery officially introducing our wines to India.”

Building Sustainable Growth

“Our plan in India is to build a sustainable presence through premium distribution, private label collaborations, and strong partnerships within the diplomatic and hospitality sectors,” he shares.
Globally, Cotnari continues to expand across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. “We focus on relationships, not transactions — that’s how we grow.”

Early Success and Future Ambitions

Cotnari’s journey in India is still young but promising. “Sales are at an early stage, but interest is growing among importers, hotels, and diplomatic channels,” says Mihai. “To accelerate growth, we plan to educate consumers about Romanian wines and introduce tailored collections suited for Indian preferences.”

The Art of Selling Wine

When asked what makes a great salesperson, Mihai is quick to answer: “Empathy, integrity, and vision. You must understand people, believe in your product, and be patient enough to build real trust. In the wine business, it’s not about selling — it’s about building relationships that last.”

Strengths, Weaknesses, and Lessons Learned

“My greatest strength lies in connecting people and creating partnerships based on trust,” he reflects. “I bring energy and long-term perspective to every project. My weakness? Sometimes I’m too passionate about perfection — I want everything to reflect the highest standard.”

Profit, Loss, and the Power of Resilience

“Both profit and loss are part of growth,” Mihai says thoughtfully. “When things go well, I study why. When challenges appear, I see them as feedback, not failure. Resilience and constant improvement are key to keeping a brand strong.”

Teamwork and Collaboration in India

“Working with people in India has been inspiring,” he says with enthusiasm. “The openness and creativity I’ve experienced here are remarkable. Building our local team means sharing values, not just strategies.”

Global Networking and Technology

“Networking is the foundation of our expansion,” Mihai explains. “We’ve built partnerships across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, always based on shared trust. Technology plays a big role too — from digital marketing and CRM systems to virtual tastings, it helps us stay connected with global partners in real time.”

Mentoring the Next Generation

Mihai also believes in guiding young professionals. “I’ve trained several junior colleagues in export, negotiation, and market development. Watching them grow into confident professionals is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

Looking Ahead: Cotnari’s Vision for India

“Our next step is to establish long-term partnerships with importers, hotels, and diplomatic suppliers to ensure continuous visibility for Cotnari wines in India,” Mihai concludes. “We’re also curating a special collection designed to suit Indian tastes. For us, India is not just a market — it’s a partnership for the future.”

✨ Through his passion and dedication, Mihai Necula continues to bridge Romanian tradition with global innovation — one glass of wine at a time.

Written by Shiva Nayak, a Director & writer covering global business, trade, and emerging markets.

Mr. Zulfi Azad, a name synonymous with innovative marketing and branding expertise, has carved a remarkable career path spanning national and international markets. Over the years, he has delivered impactful strategies and solutions to some of the most respected brands across diverse industries, helping them build strong identities and achieve sustainable growth. His ability to blend creative vision with practical business acumen has earned him recognition as a trusted strategist and consultant.

After making significant contributions in the field of marketing, Mr. Azad has now set his sights on a new and ambitious venture – ZAS INDIA, a real estate consultancy firm with a difference. Unlike conventional consultancies that focus mainly on metropolitan hubs, ZAS INDIA is committed to bringing professional real estate advisory services to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, regions often overlooked but brimming with potential.

Mr. Azad strongly believes that the true growth story of India lies beyond metros. With rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and increasing aspirations, smaller cities are emerging as powerful engines of progress. Through ZAS INDIA, he aims to bridge the knowledge and opportunity gap in these markets, empowering people with transparent, reliable, and insightful guidance in the real estate sector.

His vision is not just about transactions, but about exposure, awareness, and trust-building. By leveraging his vast experience in branding and communication, Mr. Azad is creating a platform where buyers, investors, and developers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can access the same level of professionalism and expertise that global companies enjoy.

With ZAS INDIA, Mr. Zulfi Azad is paving the way for inclusive growth in real estate, ensuring that people from every corner of the country are part of India’s evolving urban landscape. His journey is a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and a deep commitment to making opportunities accessible for all