Jeeva Balakrishnan, who was SVP & chief talent officer, Reliance Retail, has moved to Cholamandalam Investment & Finance to take on the role of president and chief human resources officer (CHRO).
An alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirapalli, Jeeva Balakrishnan is also a certified executive coach, from the Coaching Foundation of India (CFI).
In the initial years of his career, Balakrishnan served as management trainee and then assistant personnel officer, Su-Raj Diamond & Jewellery, from 1993 to 1995. He then moved to Leela Scottish Lace, as assistant manager-HR, working out of Chennai for over five years.
December of 2002 saw him joining TCNS, as manager-HRD & administration. In less than a year he moved to WethicA Worldwide, Hongkong. As head-HR & compliance, South West Asia, for over a year he managed the HR compliance and consulting practices on behalf of many international fashion brands.
His next stop was Hirdaramani Group of Companies, where he headed HR and admin for a little less than two years. In July, 2007 he was appointed vice president-HR and services, Intimark Mexico/ Bannari Amman Apparel India. This stint lasted three years and eight months after which he joined Raymond and relocated from Chennai to Mumbai.
For the next four years and eight months Jeeva Balakrishnan successfully headed business HR, lifestyle business (retail, apparel and textile), for Raymond, based out of Mumbai.
September of 2015 saw him back at Reliance Retail. He joined as VP and head-HR, L&D and customer experience-Reliance Digital (CDIT). Three and a half years into this role, he was elevated to VP and head-HR-Reliance Market (Cash & Carry Grocery Business). In January 2021, he was promoted to SVP and chief talent officer-Reliance Retail.
In his latest assignment, Jeeva Balakrishnan will lead the people agenda to drive the vision of Chola, which is, “Helping people (employees, customers, stakeholders & community) to enter a better life!”
Known to be a sensitive HR leader with a sharp business acumen , Jeeva Balakrishnan will definitely prove to be an asset to Cholamandalam Investment and Finance. HRKatha wishes him all the best!
