Pallavi Poddar has joined Knauf India, the wholesale building materials firm, as chief human resources officer (CHRO). She moves from Fenesta Windows where she was CHRO since November 2022.
Speaking with HRKatha, Poddar empasised, “My immediate focus at Knauf India will be on listening, learning, and building strong alignment with the leadership team. Understanding the business priorities, talent landscape, and cultural strengths will be key to shaping a people agenda that is closely linked to growth and performance.”
Poddar’s leadership philosophy is centred on aligning people and business priorities seamlessly. She believes in building “organisations grounded in trust, clarity, and accountability,” where people are empowered to deliver their best. “I see HR as a strategic partner that not only supports but also shapes the business — by enabling talent, strengthening leadership, and fostering a culture that drives sustainable performance,” she added.
After completing an MBA from Symbiosis Centre for Management & Human Resources Management, Poddar joined Saint-Gobain as assistant manager-HR, in May 2004.
Over three years later, she moved to Nestle, as HR manager. Less than a year into this role, she was elevated to HR manager-learning and training.
Schneider Electric roped her in for the role of senior human resources business partner, in March of 2013. For the next four years and five months, she successfully led the in-house employee-training system for attracting, nurturing and retaining talents, among other responsibilities. She also facilitated the best HR practices across India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh as a business HR leader.
From August 2017 to February 2018, she was dedicated to her entrepreneurial journey as director, ASESA Talent Partners, till Ingersoll Rand appointed her regional HR director-India, Middle East and Africa.
After four years and nine months with Ingersoll Rand, Pallavi Poddar switched to Fenesta Windows, in November of 2022.
For the last almost three and a half years, she had been leading the talent strategy for employees across Fenesta businesses by building internal and external partnerships to make Fenesta a best place to work.
Known to be a business-savvy HR leader and a thorough professional, Poddar is sure to be an asset to Knauf India. “I look forward to strengthening organisational capability, enhancing engagement, and building a future-ready, agile culture that supports Knauf’s ambitions in India,” she says.
HRKatha wishes Pallavi all the best in her new role!
