The Powerhouses of Indian HR: Women Driving Change and Innovation
In the dynamic world of Human Resources, women are emerging as influential leaders, driving change and fostering innovation. These trailblazers are not only reshaping the HR landscape in India but are also setting benchmarks globally. With their unique blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment, women in HR are steering organizations towards a more inclusive and dynamic future. Their leadership is crucial in fostering environments where diversity thrives, and where every employee feels valued and empowered.
Women in HR are at the forefront of implementing transformative policies that prioritize employee well-being, diversity, and inclusion. They are the architects of cultures that celebrate differences and harness the power of diverse perspectives. From crafting groundbreaking policies to leading organizational change, these women are proving that effective HR leadership is key to an organization’s success. Their efforts are not just about compliance but about creating workplaces where every individual can bring their whole self to work and contribute to their fullest potential.
The following list highlights some of the most influential women in HR in India today, who are setting exemplary standards and inspiring future generations of HR leaders. These women are breaking barriers, challenging the status quo, and demonstrating that with determination and vision, anything is possible. Their stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership are a testament to the incredible impact that women can have in shaping the future of work.
- Amarpreet Kaur Ahuja – Country Head – HR, AstraZeneca India
- Amrita Padda – Chief People Officer, Airtel
- Anjali Chatterjee – CHRO, Air India Express
- Anuradha Razdan – Executive Director & CHRO, Hindustan Unilever & Unilever South Asia
- Archana Bhaskar – CHRO and Head Corporate Communications, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
- Archana Shiroor – CHRO, Yes Bank
- Chandra Bhattacharjee – CHRO – Grasim Industries, Aditya Birla Group
- Deepti Gupta – EVP and Head HR, Jubilant FoodWorks
- Janaki Naik – CHRO, Tata Digital
- Jayanthi Anilkumar – Head – HR Shared Services Centre, L&T
- Lakshmi C – Senior Managing Director – HR Lead, Accenture India
- Leena Nair – Global Chief Executive Officer, CHANEL
- Madhavi Lall – Managing Director, Head – HR, India, Deutsche Bank
- Mamta Vegunta – Executive Director & Head of HR, DBS Tech India
- Manu Wadhwa – CHRO, Sony Pictures Networks
- Nupur Singh Mallick – Group CHRO, Tata Group
- Pavitra Singh – CHRO & VP PepsiCo India & South Asia and AMESA Frontline Experience
- Preemita Singh – EVP and CHRO, Havells India
- Priya Ramdev – CPO, McKinsey & Co India
- Rajita Singh – CPO, Kyndryl India
- Rajkamal Vempati – Head HR, Axis Bank
- Ruchira Bhardwaja – Joint President & CHRO, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance
- Ruhie Pande – Group CHRO, Head of Marketing & Communications, Sterlite Power
- Sakshi Khosla – Head of People, CBRE India
- Savitha Shivsankar – CHRO, Asian Paints
- Shikha Sharma – Head HR & Board Member, American Express
- Shweta Mohanty – Head HR, SAP India
- Sumedha Pal Parmar – Head of Human Resources – India Cluster, Alstom
- Swati Rustagi – Vice President Employee Experience, Adobe
- Vishpala Reddy – Head of HR, Philips Indian Subcontinent, Philips
Community Building Leaders
- Achal Khanna – CEO – SHRM India, APAC & MENA
- Ester Martinez – CEO & Editor-in-Chief, People Matters
These exemplary women are proof that with passion, determination, and vision, women can lead the way in transforming workplaces and driving the future of HR. They serve as an inspiration to many and highlight the growing importance of women in leadership roles within the HR domain. Their contributions are pivotal in creating workplaces that are not only productive but also inclusive and supportive.