Most Innovative HR Leaders India 2026
Organisational excellence begins with strong leadership and a people-centric foundation. Sometimes it is reflected in the sole dedication to managing the human, cultural, and legal lifecycle of the workforce. Portfolio magazine’s latest edition, Most Impactful HR Leaders India 2026, celebrates visionary HR leaders who are strengthening organisations through people, culture, and strategic leadership.
As part of this edition, we engaged in insightful conversations with Heads of Human Resources, Chief Human Resources Officers, Heads of People, and People & Culture leaders from diverse industries. Despite representing different industries and professional backgrounds, they share a common commitment to driving organisational transformation and building people-centric workplaces.
In this edition, you’ll find inspiring stories, insights, and interactive sessions that showcase the genuine vision of HR professionals who shape and uphold the organisation’s core values. Readers will also discover exclusive features, thought-provoking insights, and special brand spotlights that enrich this edition.
Shrawani Mukherjee
Head of People
Equal Experts India Pvt Ltd.
As an empathy-driven culture shaper, Shrawani Mukherjee balances high autonomy with inclusive employee experiences. She leverages her global DEI expertise to design business-aligned talent strategies that support flat organisational structures, reduce workplace stress, and prioritise employee well-being.
Arushi Arora Kathal
Chief Technology & People Officer
Ooms India
A seasoned Chief Technology & People Officer at Ooms India, Arushi Arora Kathal is known for uniquely blending data analytics with human capital and bridging people, processes, and technology. Her philosophy emphasises that inclusion and shared values should guide everyday business decisions, creating a unified and highly capable organisation.
Chandni Chopra
CHRO
TestMu AI
An adaptive, human-centric leader, Chandni Chopra excels at deep-tech talent acquisition. Uniquely, she blends data-driven scaling with empathy and is known for navigating major corporate AI pivots. Her leadership philosophy promotes hyper-growth, accountability, and the empowerment of autonomous deep-tech talent across global teams.
Devvesh P Srivastav
Country President, India, Global HR Director - TechOps and Regional HR Director
Centrient Pharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd.
As a strategic Global HR director and Country President India at Centrient Pharmaceuticals, Devvesh P. Srivastav embodies empowering leadership. His leadership philosophy, EDGE (Empower, Delegate, Grow, and Engage), centres on psychological safety and authentic human connections. He combines cross-border M&A integration with HR analytics to build a strong and multigenerational workforce.
Dipesh Gangrade
Principal HR Business Partner (People & Culture Leader)
WorldEmp India Pvt. Ltd.
An IIM executive alumnus and Senior HR Business Partner with 14+ years of cross-sector and international experience, Dipesh partners with C-suite leaders to shape workforce strategy, strengthen organisational capability, and build scalable HR architecture. He is recognised for combining technology, analytics, and people-centred leadership to enhance retention, workforce efficiency, and organisational readiness.
Farhan Ahmed Hazarika
Fractional CHRO
Multiple Startups
An accomplished Human Resources professional with over 17 years of experience, specialising in Talent Acquisition, Talent Development & Management, and Organisational Development, and with a deep sense of empathy and a genuine passion for nurturing talent, Farhan Ahmed Hazarika combines a distinctive “Head, Heart, Gut” assessment framework with belief-led coaching to help scaling startups address leadership gaps effectively.
Meghana Pujari
Head of Human Resources
Accupack Engineering Pvt. Ltd
At Accupack Engineering, the Head of Human Resources, Meghana Pujari, is a strategic HR leader who seamlessly integrates manufacturing expertise with talent development. Her focus on nurturing culture and enhancing employee experience drives genuine engagement and supports sustainable business growth.
Rajbir Kaur Bindra
Vice President - Human Resources
CoinDCX
A renowned HR leader with over 13 years of progressive experience and a passion for connecting technical talent with innovative projects. Rajbir Kaur Bindra champions inclusive, high-performance cultures. Her collaborative leadership nurtures talent in Web3 and decentralisation, while bridging niche talent gaps in emerging technologies. This approach has enabled her to successfully scale high-performing engineering teams.
Ujjal Gangopadhyay
Chief Support Executive
Augmenters
With over 30 years of HR expertise, Ujjal Gangopadhyay is a pragmatic leader who seamlessly bridges the gap between complex corporate objectives and real-world execution. His strategic approach combines operational planning with engaging workshops, driving collaboration and driving measurable improvements in productivity.