Tomy Thomas

Crafting Cultures Where People and Purpose Thrive

Tomy Thomas

Senior Vice President – Human Resources,

Krisumi Corporation

In an exclusive conversation with TradeFlock, Tomy Thomas, Senior Vice President – Human Resources at Krisumi Corporation, opens up about his people-first leadership philosophy, passion for nurturing workplace culture, and journey spanning over three decades in HR strategy and talent management. Tomy is widely regarded for transforming work environments into spaces where employees feel empowered, valued, and inspired. At Krisumi Corporation, an IndoJapanese collaboration between Japan’s 400-year-old Sumitomo Corporation and India’s Krishna Group, he plays a key role in aligning the precision of Japanese craftsmanship with the warmth of Indian hospitality. The result is an organisation that delivers excellence in real estate while setting benchmarks in employee experience. Under his leadership, Krisumi has earned accolades like ‘Great Place to Work’, ‘Dream Company to Work For’, and ‘Best Working Conditions’ highlighting a culture centred on holistic well-being and high performance. Beyond corporate success, Tomy is deeply committed to community development, sustainable farming, and education. A sports enthusiast and purpose-driven leader, he brings a multidimensional, compassionate approach to HR. Recognised as CHRO of the Year 2025 and among India’s Top HR Innovators, Tomy continues to redefine HR leadership, creating lasting impact across people, business, and society. He shares more about his work and journey here.

What’s your approach to blending empathy and performance in people management?

Balancing empathy and efficiency is both an art and a strategy, especially in people-centric industries like hospitality and real estate. My leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that high performance stems from a deeply engaged and valued workforce. At Grand Hyatt Delhi and now at Krisumi, I’ve championed a culture of trust, transparency, and empowerment, listening actively, supporting individual aspirations, and ensuring every employee feels seen and heard. At the same time, I drive operational excellence through clear expectations, streamlined processes, and data-led decision-making. Initiatives like the Krisumi School of Learning, Leadership Programmes, and Chairman’s Awards reflect our commitment to enable performance, not enforce it. Ultimately, my leadership thrives on inspiring people to excel while building a workplace they’re proud to be part of.

What’s one initiative that notably boosted engagement or culture at Krisumi?

One of our most impactful initiatives at Krisumi has been the Employee Wellness Programs, designed to energise, engage, and truly care for our people. We went beyond the basics, bringing in yoga, zumba, marathons, and even cricket and volleyball matches to keep things fun and active. We organised outstation trips, blood donation drives, and health check-ups too. Mental well-being is equally important, so we introduced counselling, mindfulness sessions, and stress management workshops. Add to that flexible work options, open forums, and regular appreciation, and we built a culture where people feel supported, connected, and motivated to give their best every day.

What advice would you give to aspiring HR leaders in the real estate industry?

To young HR professionals in real estate: balance strategic thinking with deep empathy. This fast-paced industry demands agility, innovation, and cultural sensitivity. At Krisumi and Emaar, I’ve seen that strong relationships, open communication, and aligning people with business goals drive success. Build a people-first culture, like our ‘Homecoming Experience’ that makes employees feel valued from day one. Stay curious, embrace technology, keep learning, and seek mentorship. Most importantly, lead with integrity and purpose. With resilience and sincerity, you can build exceptional workplaces, and a meaningful, balanced life beyond work.

How do you embed Krisumi’s Japanese-Indian identity into your HR culture?

The fusion of Japanese precision and Indian warmth is the cornerstone of Krisumi Corporation’s culture and HR strategy. We’ve built our people philosophy around this synergy, combining Japan’s values of discipline, trust, efficiency, quality and attention to detail with India’s spirit of hospitality, emotional intelligence, and community connection. Our recruitment approach focuses on individuals who balance technical expertise with empathy and collaboration. From day one, employees are immersed in a culture that expects excellence and celebrates people. Through initiatives like career development programs, succession planning and leadership development programs, we cultivate high performance, emotional resilience, and continuous growth. Regular audits by Japanese experts uphold world-class standards, while collaborations with Sumitomo Corporation and Krishna Group companies bring global best practices into our daily operations. This integration results in a workforce that’s not only high-performing but also deeply engaged, powering Krisumi’s vision to redefine urban living with a people-first approach.

How do you promote inclusivity while honouring Japanese and Indian values?

Promoting inclusivity at Krisumi Corporation means thoughtfully weaving together the rich cultural legacies of Japan and India. We embrace diversity not as a checkbox but as a strength that fuels innovation and belonging. Our DE&I initiatives are designed to celebrate individuals, whether through Women’s Day, Father’s Day, or Meritorious Student Awards, each recognising the unique contributions of our people and their families. We honour Japanese values like precision, discipline, and respect, while equally nurturing Indian traits of warmth, community, and empathy. Through initiatives like ‘coffee with HR Head’, ‘Chairman’s monthly townhalls’, and ‘skip level meetings’, we foster open dialogue, shared learning, and mutual respect. This integration empowers employees to feel heard, valued, and united – driving collaboration and growth in a truly inclusive workplace.