Richard Lobo: Steering the Human Capital Strategy at Tech Mahindra

Businesses worldwide are struggling to attract and retain skilled professionals, and the competition for high-quality talent is fierce. Additionally, the need for continuous upskilling to keep pace with technological advancements is critical. Richard Lobo, Chief People Officer at Tech Mahindra, has adeptly addressed these challenges by leveraging AI-driven tools for personalised learning and development, enhancing employee engagement through data analytics, and implementing cutting-edge recruitment technologies. His focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has fostered a more inclusive workplace, while his emphasis on flexible working arrangements has improved employee satisfaction and retention. 

By strategically aligning the HR function with broader business objectives, Richard has transformed Tech Mahindra’s human capital strategy, ensuring the company remains competitive and resilient in the ever-evolving tech industry. Richard is a seasoned HR leader with over two decades of experience transforming people’s functions across various organisations. His journey is characterised by a people-first approach, strategic leadership, and a dedication to developing a resilient and future-ready workforce.  

The Background and Preparation 

Richard began his career with the Godrej Group, where he sharpened his skills in human resources and organisational development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology and a management degree from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneshwar. These academic credentials laid a strong foundation for his future for his future endeavours in the HR domain. 

The Ascend 

Before joining Tech Mahindra, Richard Lobo had a distinguished career at Infosys, one of India’s leading IT services companies. He spent over two decades there, holding various leadership positions, including Executive Vice President and Head of HR. During his tenure at Infosys, he also served on the boards of Infosys Consulting and Infosys China. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the company’s HR strategies and driving organisational growth. After leaving Infosys in August 2023, Richard took on the role of an independent HR advisor, providing strategic guidance to startups and established firms alike. His expertise in organisational change, transformation, and scaling people processes made him a sought-after advisor in the industry. 

Joining Tech Mahindra

In January 2024, Richard Lobo joined Tech Mahindra as Chief People Officer. The company saw his appointment as a strategic move to leverage his extensive experience and expertise in human capital management. At Tech Mahindra, Richard drives talent strategy and workforce innovation for the company’s 146,000 employees across 90 countries. His mission is to optimise the tech company’s human capital potential based on human-first principles. 

The Hurdles 

Richard Lobo has addressed several industry challenges throughout his career, particularly in the rapidly evolving tech sector. One key challenge he has tackled is the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling of employees to keep pace with technological advancement. At Tech Mahindra, he has emphasised the importance of AI and generative AI in enhancing HR processes and improving employee experiences. 

Another significant challenge is fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Richard has strongly advocated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, ensuring that organisations create an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered. His efforts in promoting flexible working arrangements and talent mobility have also been noteworthy, especially in the context of the post-pandemic world. 

The Impact 

Since joining Tech Mahindra, Richard Lobo has made a substantial impact on the organisation. His strategic alignment of the HR function with broader business objectives has been pivotal in driving the company’s growth trajectory. By prioritising diversity and inclusion, he has enhanced associate experiences and fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Richard’s focus on leveraging technology to deliver on people initiatives has also been instrumental in transforming Tech Mahindra’s HR practices. He has introduced AI-driven solutions to streamline HR processes, improve talent acquisition, and enhance employee engagement. His holistic approach to integrating human capital with business strategy has made the HR function a dynamic driving force in the company’s pursuit of market leadership.

The Recognition 

Richard Lobo’s contributions to the HR field have been widely recognised. In 2023, the Economics Times honoured him as the HR Leader of the Year. This prestigious award acknowledges his efforts in transforming people’s functions and his commitment to developing a people-centric culture. In addition to this accolade, Richard has been an active contributor to industry bodies such as the Confederation of Indian Industry and the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM). His work with these organisations has nurtured industry-government partnerships around human resources-centred initiatives, highlighting his influence and thought leadership in the HR domain. 

Richard Lobo’s professional expedition reflects his strategic vision, leadership, and dedication to human capital development. As the Chief People Officer at Tech Mahindra, he continues to drive innovation, cultivate a people-first culture, and address industry challenges with a forward-thinking approach.

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