Explore the transformative impact of top male HR leaders across various industries who are pioneering innovative strategies, redefining organizational cultures, and shaping the future workforce. From strategic HR partnerships to fostering inclusive workplaces and driving growth-oriented talent management, these leaders exemplify excellence in steering their companies towards sustainable success. Join us as we delve into the profiles of these visionary leaders who are at the forefront of shaping tomorrow’s workforce dynamics.
Amit Sahoo: The Global HR ,Strategy and Business Operations, Narwal
Amit Sahoo is a seasoned HR leader with over 19 years of experience in the IT/ITES sector, known for his strategic business partnering and organizational development skills across the U.S., UK, ANZ, and India. As the Global Head of HR at Narwal, Amit excels in crafting HR strategies that align seamlessly with business goals, nurturing talent, and cultivating a positive culture. His strategic interventions have transformed small and mid-sized companies into top employment destinations, as evidenced by accolades from The Economic Times, Forbes India, and the Great Managers Awards.
Amit has held significant HR roles at TA Digital, Cigniti Technologies, and Capgemini, where he focused on talent management, engagement, and retention. His innovative initiatives, like the first Employee Engagement Survey and successful D&I programs, set industry benchmarks. Recognized through the GALLUP® StrengthsFinder® assessment, Amit’s strategic focus and leadership have driven organizational success and achieved record-low attrition rates.
Guided by the philosophy that “You just can’t beat the person who never gives up,” famously stated by Babe Ruth, Amit strives for excellence and resilience in all his professional endeavors. His accolades, including the Great Place to Work Certification and rankings among India’s Top 100 Great Places to Work in IT, stand as a testament to his impactful contributions to the HR industry.
Puneet Puri: EVP and Group CHRO, Tata Motors Finance
Puneet Puri is a seasoned leader with 20 years of professional experience, including a significant 15-year tenure at McKinsey. Known for his dual expertise in business and people leadership, Puneet has demonstrated an exceptional ability to nurture talent and drive organizational growth. His remarkable journey includes growing a startup from a modest team of 10 members to an impressive 800-strong workforce, showcasing his adeptness at managing rapid expansion and complex projects.
At McKinsey, Puneet held various pivotal roles, from operations management to HR leadership. His tenure saw him leading performance management, recruitment processes, and compensation reviews, significantly impacting the firm’s research team growth and quality improvements. As Head of HR, Puneet spearheaded global projects that applied new competency models, streamlined career paths, and enhanced professional development initiatives
Currently serving as the Executive Vice President and Group CHRO at Tata Motors Finance, Puneet continues to excel in strategic thinking and global stakeholder management
Puneet’s ability to manage the complete employee life cycle, coupled with his strategic insights, makes him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of HR at Tata Motors Finance and beyond. His move to Mumbai to lead HR functions underscores his dedication to driving organizational success through innovative and people-centric approaches.
Harjeet Khanduja: Senior Vice President of Human Resource, Jio
Harjeet Khanduja, is widely recognized for his innovative approach and significant contributions to the HR field. With a blend of academic excellence and practical wisdom, Harjeet stands out as a leading voice in HR, a prolific author, and a dynamic speaker. His career spans various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, pharma, alternate energy, IT-ITES, telecom, digital, healthcare, and retail, where he has managed HR for large multinational organizations across India, the US, and Canada. Harjeet’s versatility is further highlighted by his work with prominent business houses like Tata, Reliance, and Piramal.
A Thomson Medalist from IIT Roorkee and an INSEAD management graduate, Harjeet is a certified practitioner in multiple domains, including SAP HCM, Six Sigma, executive coaching, and design thinking. He holds four published patents, underscoring his commitment to innovation. Harjeet’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, such as the HR Leadership Award, Pride of Nation Award, and HR Personality of the Year. He has also been featured in notable publications, including “Heroes Amongst Us” by Dr. Amit Nagpal.
Beyond his professional achievements, Harjeet is a celebrated author with seven business books to his name, all of which have been Amazon bestsellers. His writings, which cover topics like leadership, decision-making, and HR mastery, have been featured in leading magazines and journals. Additionally, Harjeet is a respected international Hindi poet and a TEDx speaker, known for his satirical poems on social issues. His contributions to academia include guest faculty roles at IIM Ahmedabad and NMIMS, and he holds key positions in various professional committees and organizations, reflecting his broad influence and dedication to the HR profession.
Sahil Nayar: Senior Associate Director of HR, KPMG India
Sahil Nayar, is a distinguished figure in the field of human resources known for his impactful leadership and innovative practices. With over 12 years of experience at KPMG, Sahil has cultivated deep expertise in partnering with business stakeholders across various functions, including Tax, Management Consulting, People Consulting, and CFO Advisory. His current role focuses on leading the HR function for the Integrated Center of Excellence (ICoE), KPMG’s Delivery Center in India, where he champions next-generation HR practices and solutions.
Sahil is celebrated for his proficiency in employer branding, performance management, and talent development, areas where he has consistently driven organizational success. His strategic acumen and commitment to enhancing business impact through HR initiatives are reflected in his certifications in NLP, MBTI, and Design Thinking, which he leverages to optimize human potential and drive business outcomes.
Beyond his corporate role, Sahil is a sought-after speaker, columnist, and visiting faculty at prestigious business schools like IIMs and IITs, where he shares his insights on HR, branding, and organizational leadership. He is passionate about fostering #FutureTalent through his teaching engagements and is known for redefining curriculum frameworks to meet evolving industry needs. Sahil’s multifaceted career is underscored by his dedication to creating positive and impactful experiences for people in the HR domain, a commitment that extends to his interests in music, travel, and culinary exploration.
Yuvaraj Srivastava, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, MakeMyTrip
Yuvaraj Srivastava, , India, is a seasoned HR leader with a rich background spanning over 26 years across diverse industries. His career journey includes significant roles at prominent organizations such as Asian Paints, The Oberoi Group of Hotels, PepsiCo, and currently, MakeMyTrip, where he shapes and executes comprehensive HR and people strategies for the entire group, encompassing entities like GoIbibo, Redbus, and Bitla Solutions.
Yuvaraj’s leadership at MakeMyTrip extends beyond traditional HR functions to include overseeing talent management, organizational development, and enhancing overall employee experience. His tenure is marked by a proactive approach to fostering a growth-oriented culture and driving impactful social initiatives through the MakeMyTrip Foundation, focusing on climate change and community empowerment.
Apart from his corporate responsibilities, Yuvaraj Srivastava actively contributes to various business and industry forums, reflecting his commitment to shaping broader HR and leadership agendas. He holds leadership roles in prestigious organizations like the National HRD Network and advisory positions with bodies such as the Central Board of Film Certification and FICCI. His educational background includes an MBA in Human Resources from the Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of Allahabad.
Mukesh Kumar, Deputy Vice President – HR, HDFC ERGO General Insurance
Mukesh Kumar brings over 16 years of extensive experience in human resources, specializing in talent acquisition, team management, HR business partnering, and strategic HR initiatives aligned with business objectives. His career journey includes pivotal roles at renowned organizations such as Jio, Reliance Capital, Apollo Munich Health Insurance, and now HDFC ERGO.
At HDFC ERGO, Mukesh leads talent acquisition efforts across various critical areas including health, digital offices, renewal, distribution planning & strategy, claims, underwriting, and partnerships. His role involves closely collaborating with functional heads to ensure quality hiring and providing strategic insights to the leadership based on data analysis. Mukesh is instrumental in setting up robust HR processes from scratch, driving team development, and implementing innovative recruitment strategies using platforms like job portals, social media, and employee referrals.
Previously, at Jio and Reliance Capital, Mukesh Kumar successfully led talent acquisition and HR business partnering efforts for large-scale projects, emphasizing structured interview processes, cross-functional collaboration, and the implementation of HRIS systems for enhanced operational efficiency. His expertise spans multiple industries including banking, general insurance, life insurance, asset management, telecom, and IT recruitment, reflecting his versatile skills in managing diverse HR challenges and driving organizational growth through effective people strategies.
Rajeshwar Tripathi, Group CHRO, RJCORP
Rajeshwar Tripathi brings a wealth of experience and expertise in driving transformative HR strategies and fostering organizational growth. His career spans pivotal roles at Mahindra & Mahindra, where he served as the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Automotive and Farm Sectors. During his tenure, Tripathi spearheaded global HR initiatives, focusing on business transformation, change management, and cultivating leadership capabilities. His commitment to enhancing organizational effectiveness is underscored by his leadership in large-scale projects, including mergers and acquisitions across international geographies. Tripathi’s passion for driving sustainable business outcomes through people-centric approaches has been instrumental in shaping Mahindra’s HR landscape, making him a respected figure in the industry.
Rajeshwar ‘s career trajectory also includes senior leadership roles at VE Commercial Vehicles and Mahindra & Mahindra, where he led HR functions with a strong emphasis on change management and organizational restructuring. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have enabled him to navigate complex challenges, implement innovative HR solutions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Tripathi’s extensive experience spans over two decades, marked by his contributions to HR transformation and leadership development within diverse industrial sectors. His academic background in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations from the Xavier Institute of Social Service further complements his practical expertise, reflecting his commitment to driving sustainable growth and operational excellence across global enterprises.
Saurabh Govil, Chief Human Resources Officer, Wipro
Saurabh Govil brings over three decades of HR leadership experience to his role as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Wipro Ltd. He oversees all HR functions, focusing on talent acquisition, engagement, and development programs. With a career spanning organizations like ITC and GE before joining Wipro in 2009, Saurabh has played a pivotal role in transforming Wipro through strategic initiatives in HR, enhancing operational efficiencies, and fostering innovation. An XLRI, Jamshedpur alumnus, he actively contributes to industry forums such as NASSCOM and NHRDN, sharing insights and shaping HR practices. His role extends to serving as a trustee of the Wipro Foundation, emphasizing his commitment to corporate social responsibility and community impact.
Under Saurabh Govil’s leadership, Wipro’s HR strategies have aligned closely with the company’s growth trajectory, emphasizing agility and resilience in a dynamic business environment. His initiatives have not only enhanced employee engagement but also streamlined operational processes to optimize efficiency across Wipro’s global workforce. Saurabh’s strategic vision and deep understanding of organizational dynamics continue to drive Wipro’s HR agenda forward, ensuring the company remains competitive and adaptive in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. His advocacy for continuous learning and development underscores Wipro’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of innovation essential for sustained success in the digital age.
Vibhash Naik, Chief Human Resource Officer, HDFC Life
Vibhash Naik is an accomplished Chief Human Resource Officer at HDFC Life, overseeing Human Resources, Learning and Development, and Administration functions since 2011. With a career spanning 21 years, he brings extensive experience from roles at Atos Origin, Lehman Brothers, and Religare Macquarie Private Wealth. Vibhash holds a Master’s in Labour Studies specializing in Human Resources from the University of Mumbai, completed in 1998. His expertise lies in talent management, compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, personnel management, employee engagement, and organizational development within the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sectors.
Vibhash Naik’s career is marked by a strong commitment to driving organizational excellence through effective HR strategies. He is known for his adeptness in navigating complex challenges and implementing innovative HR solutions that align with business goals. His leadership at HDFC Life has been instrumental in fostering a culture of growth and development, ensuring the company remains a leader in the insurance industry.
Deepak Reddy, Group Head-Human Resources, Bajaj Finserv
Deepak Reddy is an accomplished leader with a diverse professional journey spanning across prominent organizations. Beginning his career at JVC-Onida in consumer durables retailing, he later transitioned to financial services, holding key roles at Standard Chartered Bank and American Express Bank, where he managed business and personal loans across multiple cities in India. His tenure at American Express culminated as Director of Consumer Cards before joining Bajaj Finance Ltd. in 2008 as Business Head, pioneering the launch and management of various verticals including Business Loans, Personal Loans, and Vendor Financing. Since 2012, Deepak has been instrumental in shaping Bajaj Finance Ltd.’s human resources landscape, overseeing HR, administration, and the Group Learning Academy. In April 2018, he assumed the role of Group Head – Human Resources at Bajaj Finserv Ltd, where he continues to drive strategic initiatives and foster organizational growth.
Deepak Reddy is highly regarded for his comprehensive industry knowledge and strong interpersonal skills, underscored by numerous endorsements from colleagues and industry peers. His expertise spans relationship management, credit cards, banking, team management, business development, leadership, and management. With over two decades of experience, Deepak has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to lead teams through complex challenges and drive business success through effective HR strategies and leadership initiatives. His role at Bajaj Finserv Ltd. underscores his commitment to leveraging his extensive background in finance and HR to steer the company towards sustained growth and excellence in human capital management
