Former SoftBank country head Manoj Kohli joins WeWork India as an independent director

• Former country head of SoftBank Manoj Kohli was appointed to the board of WeWork India.
• In his previous role at SoftBank, Kohli facilitated investments to the tune of over $15 billion in over 25 AI-focused portfolio companies in India.
• Anthony Yazbeck, president & chief operating officer of WeWork, also joined the board.

WeWork India said on Monday that it has appointed Manoj Kohli, former country head of SoftBank India and SoftBank Group International, as an independent director to its board. Additionally, Anthony Yazbeck, president & chief operating officer of WeWork, will also join the board.

“I am optimistic about the potential of the flexible workspace industry in India, and believe that WeWork India is poised to play a significant role in this growth story. I am excited to join WeWork India at this pivotal point and leverage my expertise in managing and scaling up businesses,” said Kohli.

In his previous role at SoftBank, Kohli facilitated investments to the tune of over $15 billion in over 25 AI-focused portfolio companies in India. He also supported key players like OLA, OYO, Lenskart, Grofers, Snapdeal, Uber, Swiggy, and Unacademy in addressing regulatory and government issues, and helped scale their businesses.

Karan Virwani, CEO of WeWork India said that he is happy to welcome Kohli and Yazbeck at a critical juncture in the growth journey. “In the past few years WeWork India has grown significantly and proven to be a profitable and scalable business. Manoj’s experience in managing and growing businesses of scale and charting their exponential growth will be an invaluable asset for the business as well as me,” he added.

Kohli has served on the board of industry body GSMA, chaired the CII Task Force on Ease of Doing Business, and currently chairs the CII Unicorn Forum that aims to attract new tech investments in India. He has built businesses in 25 countries across the Asia Pacific and Africa regions.

Yazbeck, president & chief operating officer of WeWork Inc said that the performance of the WeWork India business is a testament to the strength of the WeWork brand and product.

“Flexibility and community is proving to be a powerful combination and, with a suite of flex space solutions, WeWork India is very well positioned to meet the evolving demand for dynamic workspaces across the country. I am looking forward to partnering with the Board as we strive to achieve our shared goals of long-term, sustainable success,” Yazbeck added.