Mr. Aerya Balakrishna Hegde has played a significant role in shaping the real estate sector through his long-standing association with CREDAI. He is the Past President of CREDAI Karnataka and currently serves as the Chairman of the CREDAI National Centre of Learning, which spearheads the Business Leadership Programme at the Indian Institute of Management – Bangalore for CREDAI members across the country. He has also contributed to the industry’s thought leadership as the former Editor of CREDAI Times, the in-house magazine of CREDAI National.

During his tenure as President of CREDAI Karnataka (2006–2008), Mr. Hegde was instrumental in driving several major policy reforms and industry benefits. He successfully rolled back the process of conversion from agricultural to non-agricultural land, simplifying what had become an impractical process. On 31st March 2007, the last day before the expiry of the Section 80 IB exemption of Income Tax, he facilitated the sanctioning of nearly 45 plans, delivering substantial financial benefit to several members. He also persuaded the government to adopt the principle of deemed land use change in accordance with the Master Plans, streamlining and accelerating regulatory clearances for developers across the state.

He further expanded CREDAI’s reach by inducting new city associations in Hubli & Dharwad, Mysore, Mangalore, and Udupi, bringing regional representation to the fore for the first time in 27 years. This expansion laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and collaborative industry body across Karnataka.