Cisco has strengthened its regional leadership with the appointment of Gaurav Ahluwalia as its new vice president and head-people and communities for India and SAARC. With this move, the company aims to reinforce its talent strategy at a time when technology, business models, and workforce expectations are evolving rapidly.
In his new role, Ahluwalia will oversee people strategy, culture-building initiatives, and talent development across the region. His mandate includes shaping an inclusive and future-ready workforce, strengthening leadership capabilities, and supporting Cisco’s growth ambitions in a fast-changing digital landscape. The role also places emphasis on deepening community engagement and building a strong employer brand rooted in trust and innovation.
Ahluwalia steps into the position with extensive experience in leading large-scale people transformations. His focus will be on aligning talent frameworks with business priorities, fostering a culture that encourages collaboration and agility, and nurturing teams that can thrive amid technological shifts.
Prior to this, he was associated with Ernst & Young Global as a partner. He joined the firm in 2024.
Backed by over 28 years of experience in strategic human resources, his expertise lies in HR consulting, technology needs analysis, deferred compensation, HR policies, and compensation & benefits. He has also worked with several renowned names such as JP Morgan Chase, HSBC and Escotel Mobile Communications.
As Cisco continues to expand its presence and impact across India and SAARC, the appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to investing in its people and creating a culture that enables long-term success. Ahluwalia’s leadership is expected to drive accelerated growth, enhance employee experience, and strengthen the company’s influence within the wider ecosystem.
In a LinkedIn post he expressed his excitement on the new role saying, “I look forward to partnering with our people, leaders, and communities to accelerate growth, strengthen culture, and amplify Cisco’s impact across the region.”
