A changing of the guard has taken place within Tata Projects, the construction arm of the Indian conglomerate Tata Group.
After over five years at the helm, seasoned HR professional Ganesh Chandan has charted a new course, joining the Kalyani Group as its president and group CHRO. Meanwhile, Ritesh Pratap Singh, an HR professional with extensive experience in diverse industries, has been elevated to the role of CHRO at Tata Projects. Previously, he was vice president-HR at Tata Projects.
Chandan’s departure leaves a significant mark on Tata Projects. His tenure was marked by a focus on leadership development and building a global presence.
His move to Kalyani Group, a conglomerate with a strong footing in sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, and renewable energy, presents Chandan with a chance to shape the human resources landscape of a rapidly growing organisation. Highlighting the group’s robust presence and market leadership in automotive and industrial components, electric infrastructure, and emerging sectors like defence and aerospace, Chandan sees numerous opportunities.
He shares with HRKatha, “The key focus at Kalyani group will be on creating a forward-thinking global organisation with a strong presence in Europe and the US and building leadership. The main goals are to enhance leadership capabilities, seize new opportunities, and ensure the organisation is prepared for the future, focusing on India, the US, and Europe.”
Singh’s ascension to the CHRO role at Tata Projects marks a strategic shift for the company. His experience in organisations such as Taj Hotels and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, coupled with his deep understanding of organisational culture and its impact on performance, makes him well-suited to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His immediate task will be to align the company’s HR strategy with its vision of achieving sustainable project outcomes through innovation and technology.
The changing landscape of HR leadership at Tata Projects reflects the broader trends shaping the industry. As organisations grapple with technological disruption, globalisation, and evolving workforce dynamics, the role of the CHRO is undergoing a significant transformation. From being mere administrators, CHROs are increasingly expected to be strategic partners, driving cultural change, fostering innovation, and attracting and retaining top talent.
Both Chandan and Singh represent different faces of this evolving role. Chandan, with his focus on leadership development and global expansion, embodies the visionary leader. Singh, with his expertise in organisational culture and performance improvement, represents the strategic architect. Their respective journeys offer valuable insights for organisations navigating the complex terrain of HR in the 21st century.
