Tariq Chauhan stands as a visionary leader in the facilities management industry, transforming challenges into opportunities across the Middle East and beyond. As the Co-Founder and Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group, he has built a powerhouse company that delivers integrated solutions to diverse sectors. His journey reflects resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to people, making him a standout figure in business circles. From humble beginnings to global recognition, Chauhan’s story inspires entrepreneurs who dream big in competitive markets.
Tariq Chauhan grew up in India, where he developed a strong foundation in economics and business principles. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), a prestigious institution that honed his analytical skills. Later, he pursued advanced studies at Harvard Business School, where he gained insights into global leadership and strategic management. These educational experiences equipped him with the tools to navigate complex industries. Chauhan often credits his early years for instilling a work ethic that emphasizes perseverance and adaptability, qualities that have defined his career.
Career Journey
Tariq Chauhan’s professional path began with roles in IT, transaction services, and structured finance, focusing on small-to-medium enterprises. He spent decades acquiring and transforming businesses worldwide, building expertise in infrastructure and operations. Around 2010, he spotted a gap in the Middle East’s facilities management sector amid rapid economic growth and construction booms. He took over a small company and restructured it, emphasizing high standards, best practices, and a people-first culture.
Under his guidance, EFS Facilities Services Group evolved from a modest operation with $20 million in turnover to a billion-dollar enterprise. Today, the company boasts a $2 billion contract backlog and employs over 30,000 people across 27 countries, including the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Europe, and Turkey. Chauhan’s hands-on approach—learning from early setbacks like financial mismanagement and team selection—fuelled this growth. He turned these lessons into strengths, fostering a resilient organization that prioritizes employee well-being and client satisfaction.
Founding and Growth of EFS
Tariq Chauhan co-founded EFS Facilities Services Group in 2009, aiming to elevate facilities management standards in the region. The company offers more than 75 service lines, catering to government, commercial, residential, industrial, oil and gas, banking, education, and retail sectors. EFS manages over 75 million square meters of space and serves as the preferred partner for more than 200 Fortune 500 companies and multinationals.
What sets EFS apart is Chauhan’s focus on innovation and sustainability. He expanded the business into 23 markets across MENA, Turkey, and South Asia, adapting to local needs while maintaining global quality. As CEO of EFSIM in Saudi Arabia, he has driven initiatives that align with Vision 2030, emphasizing efficiency and community impact. Chauhan’s leadership has turned EFS into a regional leader, with 40 operating companies delivering customized solutions that exceed expectations.
Notable Projects
Tariq Chauhan has spearheaded several landmark projects that showcase EFS’s expertise. In 2023, the group secured over AED 1.5 billion (approximately $408 million) in flagship contracts across diverse industries, including government and commercial sectors. One standout achievement is the mobilization for the Riyadh Air project, where EFSIM Facilities Management Company delivered comprehensive services to support this ambitious aviation initiative.
In Saudi Arabia, EFS inaugurated a Centre of Excellence at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, partnering with local authorities to enhance maintenance and operations. This project highlights Chauhan’s ability to integrate technology and skilled teams for seamless airport management. Earlier, in 2019, EFS clinched $46.2 million in contracts, including flagship government projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, such as infrastructure upgrades for large entities.
Chauhan also oversaw contracts worth AED 1 billion in 2017, focusing on sustainable facilities in the oil and gas and public sectors. These efforts not only boosted revenue but also set new benchmarks for efficiency, like in mixed-use developments where EFS optimized energy use and maintenance. His vision ensures projects align with broader goals, such as Saudi Arabia’s mega-developments like New Murabba and Riyadh’s new airport, fuelling sector growth.
Achievements and Recognition
Chauhan’s impact earns him consistent acclaim. In 2024, Forbes Middle East ranked him 53rd among the Top CEOs, noting EFS’s $100 million in Q1 contract wins after $400 million in 2023. He features on lists like Top Indian Leaders and Top 100 Sustainability Leaders. In 2023, he won the People First Leader of the Year at the GCC Government HR Awards for his employee-centric approach.
In July 2025, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) appointed him to its Global Board of Directors, recognizing his contributions to the field. As a thought leader, Chauhan has authored “Getting to Resilient Mode,” a book blending autobiography and business advice, and contributed over 500 articles to publications like Khaleej Times. He holds board positions in the UAE-India Business Council and Emerge, an Edtech fund.
Looking Ahead
Tariq Chauhan continues to drive EFS toward new horizons, embracing technology and sustainability in facilities management. His story reminds us that true success comes from passion, learning from failures, and putting people first. As the Middle East evolves, Chauhan’s leadership ensures EFS remains at the forefront, creating lasting value for clients and communities alike.
