Former vice president – HR, IndiGo, Manika Awasthi has joined Compass Group as chief people officer (CPO).
A postgraduate in psychology from Delhi University, Awasth has over two decades of experience in the HR domain. She began her HR journey with GE Capital International Services, working as an intern with their HR division.
In May 2002, she joined Sapient as India people strategy team member. By 2004, she was leading as people strategy lead for a business unit in India. Less than two years later, she was elevated to shared services global lead, based out of Gurgaon. From 2007 to 2008, she served as manager – people success. A year into this role, she became senior manager – people success. By the time she left Sapient after a 13-year long stint, she was director – people strategy.
It was in 2015, that Awasthi became part of IndiGo. She has spent a little less than eight years with the airline. During her tenure, she headed HR for airport operations and customer services, engineering, cargo, and talent management. She also headed HR for Agile Airport Services.
She was also part of the Complaints Committee, and looked after HR for the corporate teams, and talent management and engagement at the Centres of Excellence for all of IndiGo.
Known to be an approachable and people-oriented leader, Awasthi has never avoided challenges.
Experienced in leading women leadership networks, Awasthi is also passionate about leading the mental well-being agenda of organisations. Her passion and experience are sure to be an asset for Compass Group, the UK-based food and facility services.
