10 Most Innovative HR Leaders 2025
India’s HR landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. According to the Economic Times, 60% of HR leaders are spearheading enterprise-wide cultural transformations, with 50% overhauling performance and reward systems, and 44% redesigning workforce models for hybrid and remote work environments. At the forefront of this evolution are the visionary HR leaders who are adapting to these changes and actively driving them. The Portfolio Magazine’s latest edition, ‘10 Most Innovative HR Leaders 2025’, delves into the journeys of some of India’s most influential HR leaders. Through in-depth conversations, we explore their professional paths, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the innovative strategies they’ve implemented to lead their organisations toward success. Their stories offer invaluable insights into the evolving role of HR in shaping the future of work. Join us as we celebrate India’s Best HR leaders who are redefining HR leadership in India. Their experiences and lessons serve as a beacon for aspiring HR professionals and organisations aiming to thrive in the dynamic business landscape of 2025.
Abhishek Nambiar
Chief People & Special Projects Officer
Passionate HR leader with 20 years in BFSI, Publishing, Consulting & Sustainability. Abhishek Nambiar is an expert in HR transformation, ESG strategy & Human Rights Due Diligence, driving culture, inclusion & governance in global organisations across South Asia through future-ready practices.
Arvind Kumar M
Head-HR
Arvind Kumar is a seasoned HR specialist with extensive experience in the Mechanical, Aerospace, Defence, and ITes industries. Skilled in developing workforce strategies, optimising HRMS processes, handling comprehensive payroll management, and fostering active employee engagement. Holds an MBA in HR from Osmania University, Hyderabad.
Malvieka Joshi
Global CHRO
With more than 30 years of experience in legal, HR, and organisational design, Malviekla Joshi focuses on developing future-ready workplaces that blend compliance, culture, and capability. As an ICF-certified coach, she emphasises leadership growth, strategic talent management, and turning visions into vibrant workplace environments.
Prateek Dubey
President – Global CHRO
Prateek Dubey is a strategic HR leader with over 23 years of experience, specialising in workforce redesign, succession planning, and developing policy frameworks that support agile, high-growth organisations. He is recognised for transforming complex people’s challenges into scalable, sustainable solutions.
Sathbir Kaur
Senior Director - Human Resources (India)
Sathbir Kaur, a seasoned HR & Operations head in IT & Services, specialising in end-to-end talent acquisition, nuanced employee relations, policy innovation, compensation strategy, immigration compliance, and targeted learning programs that drive organisational growth and resilience.
| Name | Designation | Company | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Nambiar | Chief People & Special Projects Officer | CottonConnect | Passionate HR leader with 20 years in BFSI, Publishing, Consulting & Sustainability. Abhishek Nambiar is an expert in HR transformation, ESG strategy & Human Rights Due Diligence, driving culture, inclusion & governance in global organisations across South Asia through future-ready practices. |
| Arvind Kumar M | Head-HR | Nucon Aerospace | Arvind Kumar is a seasoned HR specialist with extensive experience in the Mechanical, Aerospace, Defence, and ITes industries. Skilled in developing workforce strategies, optimising HRMS processes, handling comprehensive payroll management, and fostering active employee engagement. Holds an MBA in HR from Osmania University, Hyderabad. |
| Malvieka Joshi | Global CHRO | NIRMAAN (An NGO) | With more than 30 years of experience in legal, HR, and organisational design, Malviekla Joshi focuses on developing future-ready workplaces that blend compliance, culture, and capability. As an ICF-certified coach, she emphasises leadership growth, strategic talent management, and turning visions into vibrant workplace environments. |
| Prateek Dubey | President – Global CHRO | Mankind Pharma Ltd | Prateek Dubey is a strategic HR leader with over 23 years of experience, specialising in workforce redesign, succession planning, and developing policy frameworks that support agile, high-growth organisations. He is recognised for transforming complex people's challenges into scalable, sustainable solutions. |
| Sathbir Kaur | Senior Director - Human Resources (India) | Vertafore | Sathbir Kaur, a seasoned HR & Operations head in IT & Services, specialising in end-to-end talent acquisition, nuanced employee relations, policy innovation, compensation strategy, immigration compliance, and targeted learning programs that drive organisational growth and resilience. |
| Deepti Gupta | EVP and Head HR | Jubilant FoodWorks | Deepti is specialising in large-scale organizational transformation and change management. With deep expertise across industries including IT, telecom, pharmaceuticals, and energy, she drives culture shifts and HR transformation. Deepti excels in building high-performing HR teams across OD, talent management, and business partnering. |
| Krishna Kumar Thakur | Director - Human Resources | BHEL | Krishna Kumar Thakur brings 25 years of versatile experience in Indian Railways and CPSUs, specialising in HR strategy, administration, and employee welfare. He has led major HR functions across key Railway divisions and CPSUs, driven large-scale recruitments, and played a pivotal role in policy development and global HR projects. |
| Manjula Rao | Chief Human Resources Officer | FirstCry (BrainBees Solutions Ltd.) | With over 27 years of experience in scaling HR systems, Manjula is managing global teams, and driving strategic workforce transformation. She played a key role in FirstCry’s successful 2025 IPO, leading change management, talent acquisition, and employee engagement initiatives. |
| S.K Gupta | Vice President - Human Resource | Ascent Constructions Pvt Ltd. | With extensive experience in the mining and metals industry, S.K Gupta specialises in HR policies, management, government liaison, recruiting, and strategic human resource operations. Holding an MBA in HR Management from the University of Allahabad, S.K. Gupta is known for driving effective people strategies that support business growth. |
| Suprabhat Ratnakar | Chief Human Resources Officer | Esri India | Suprabhat has extensive experience in driving talent strategies for global enterprises. He specialises in organisational transformation, HR analytics, strategic business partnerships, and capability development across industries such as IT, Manufacturing, Media, Financial Services, and Telecom. |