10 Best HR Leaders in India 2025
As we step into the future of work, the role of Human Resources has evolved far beyond what was once seen as a function confined to policy enforcement and administration. Today, HR is at the heart of an organisation’s success, driving transformation, fostering inclusivity, and cultivating a culture where employees thrive and feel genuinely valued. In this exciting edition of TradeFlock Magazine, we proudly present the “10 Best HR Leaders in India 2025”—a curated list of exceptional HR professionals who are transforming industries, leading with purpose, and reimagining the employee experience. From the boardrooms of global MNCs to the dynamic corridors of homegrown enterprises, these leaders are redefining what it means to nurture talent, champion diversity, and build work cultures that inspire.
Each of these remarkable individuals has pioneered HR strategies that transcend traditional boundaries, blending people-centric values with business-driven results. Whether it’s Madhurjya Barua’s agile leadership in the energy sector, Divya Dang’s people-first growth strategies at Cloud Analogy, or Tomy Thomas’s seamless integration of Eastern and Western workplace cultures, these leaders are not just managing change—they are creating it. Elizabeth Shiney Abraham’s global impact, Harshit Upadhyay’s data-driven HR innovation, and Latha Narayanan’s transformative talent acquisition strategies also showcase the depth and breadth of HR leadership in India today. Furthermore, Pooja Mehta Kumar’s work in workplace transformation, Rekha Sarda’s cultural vision at Aludecor and Shirly Anthony’s employee experience leadership across diverse regions demonstrate the multifaceted contributions of HR leaders in shaping organisational success.
From the badminton courts to the boardroom, Madhurjya Barua channels the precision and passion of a former international athlete into leading transformative HR strategies at Oil India Limited. With over 35 years in the energy sector, he blends hands-on expertise with visionary leadership. As Executive Director (HR & Field Admin), he’s redefining workforce agility for a rapidly evolving energy future.
Divya redefines HR as a catalyst for business growth and resilience. From crisis management to achieving record-low attrition rates, her leadership transforms challenges into strategic wins. As co-founder of LearNowX, she’s shaping the future workforce by bridging the gap between academia and industry needs.
Elizabeth brings 20+ years of experience across IT, supply chain, maritime, telecom, and HR consulting, shaping HR strategies globally. Known for driving large-scale transformations and establishing Global Capability Centres, she excels in blending vision with execution. Passionate about empowering talent, Elizabeth believes HR is not just a support function but a key business enabler that drives culture, growth, and success.e
Harshit leads the charge in transforming HR practices to be a strategic enabler of growth and innovation. With a career spanning Infosys, Publicis Sapient, and now Sapiens, he balances scalable processes with the agility required in today’s fast-paced tech industry. By fostering collaboration, driving continuous learning, and leveraging data-driven insights, Harshit ensures HR accelerates business success while empowering employees to thrive.
Latha is a visionary leader known for her relentless drive for innovation, agility, and excellence. With a proven track record in transforming talent acquisition, Latha redefined recruitment strategies by pioneering near-skill and cross-skill hiring models, addressing talent shortages with creativity and adaptability. Beyond reshaping HR practices, her deep-rooted spirituality and introspective nature keep her grounded.
Pooja Mehta Kumar is a dynamic leader who blends precision planning with a people-centered strategy. With over 24 years of experience and an IIM Calcutta alumna, Pooja has transformed 2.5 million sq. ft of workspaces across India into thriving hubs of culture and collaboration. Her deep passion for employee experience, combined with her operational expertise, has driven key milestones.
Rekha has been instrumental in transforming the company from a manufacturing-centric organisation to a culture-driven brand. With a vision to redefine HR as a strategic force, Rekha has empowered Aludecor to fuel agility, capability, and emotional engagement, proving that investing in people drives exceptional performance. Through her leadership, Aludecor has embraced the power of human capital, fostering an environment where both people and performance thrive.
Shirly is redefining what it means to create a truly engaged and inclusive workplace. With nearly two decades of experience, Shirly leads employee experience across India, Malaysia, and Egypt, impacting a workforce of nearly 10,000 employees. From managing DEI initiatives and CSR drives to being a presiding officer of the PoSH committee, her leadership fosters an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and connected.
As CHRO at Nykaa, Surender has played a key role in shaping the company’s HR systems and culture as it evolved from a digital startup to a multi-vertical brand. With over two decades of cross-industry experience, he led the digital transformation of HR, enhancing agility and performance management. Surender’s people-first leadership has fostered a cohesive, inclusive culture that supports Nykaa’s continued growth and innovation.
Tomy leads the transformation of workplace culture, blending Japanese precision with Indian hospitality. With over three decades of experience in HR strategy and talent management, he has helped Krisumi earn accolades like ‘Great Place to Work’. Tomy is also passionate about community development, sustainable farming, and education, bringing a compassionate, purpose-driven approach to HR.