The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards is your launchpad to national recognition. We celebrate the brightest star driving the evolution of HR in India. Showcase your exceptional contributions and be recognized among the industry’s rising elite.
Join us in celebrating the brilliance and innovation of HR professionals who are transforming the HR landscape!
MD & CEO, Birla Corporation
A seasoned leader with nearly four decades of experience across consumer goods, cement, and building materials. Returning as MD & CEO in 2023, he previously served as COO, driving transformational changes. His expertise spans strategic roles premiumisation, and integration. Beyond the boardroom, he is an active writer and speaker on business, policy, and society.
Group Executive President HR, Aditya Birla Group
A veteran HR leader with 35+ years across consumer products, electronics, construction, and chemicals. At Aditya Birla Group since 2007, Ramesh has steered HR for verticals from cement to retail, specialising in organisational transformation and change management. His career includes impactful roles at Owens Corning, Hindustan Construction Company, and Philips India, shaping HR strategies across diverse industries.
CHRO, Edelweiss Life Insurance
An accomplished HR leader with expertise in insurance and financial services. Appointed CHRO at Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance in 2023, she champions people strategy, inclusivity, and employee growth. With experience at Raheja QBE, Bandhan Life, and Aegon Life, she is known for her consultative approach and innovative contributions across HR functions, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
CHRO, Hydrocarbons, Reliance Industries
With over 35 years of global experience, Ashwani is a distinguished HR leader adept in driving transformational initiatives, change management, HR capability building, and industrial relations. Currently leading HR for Reliance Industries' hydrocarbons business, he has held leadership roles at renowned companies like Honeywell, Whirlpool, and BILT, where he significantly influenced organisational growth and workforce strategies.
Director HR, GAIL (India)
An IIT Roorkee graduate and seasoned HR leader with 33+ years in energy and PSU sectors. Appointed HR Director at GAIL in 2022, Ayush specialises in training, talent acquisition, leadership development, and performance management. With over two decades at GAIL, he has contributed significantly to its growth, building robust HR frameworks and leadership strategies.
Director HR, Coal India
A veteran HR leader with 29 years of experience, Vinay specialises in talent acquisition, performance management, and change leadership. Director HR at Coal India since 2021, he previously led HR at Eastern Coalfields. An INSEAD alumnus, he has successfully driven HR transformations, including SAP implementations, across multiple geographies in PSU and private sector organisations.
CHRO, Bata India
An HR leader with 20 years of global experience across industries like pharma, insurance, and telecom. Pooja specialises in strategic HR, organisation transformation, and employer branding. As CHRO at Bata India, she drives innovation and culture-building initiatives. A behavioural coach and psychometric expert, she is also a passionate educator and advocate for youth and social causes.
President & Global HR Head, Alkem Laboratories
An HR expert with 29 years in pharmaceuticals, oil, and engineering sectors, Rajorshi joined Alkem in 2017 after leading HR at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. Author of Winning with Gen Z, he is a recognised thought leader in strategic HR, change management, and global talent development, with extensive experience in crafting innovative workforce strategies.
ED & CHRO - Power Business, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group
With 25 years of industry experience, Subir manages HR for the power business at RP Sanjiv Goenka Group. His expertise spans career development, change management, leadership development, and HR consulting. Having worked at Tata Power, Reliance Communications, and Aptech, Subir excels in coaching and organisational transformation, delivering strategic value to businesses and fostering dynamic work environments.
Deputy Group CHRO, Vedanta Group
A thought leader with 20+ years in HR, Praveen drives transformational initiatives at Vedanta. Renowned for expertise in leadership, talent management, and digital transformation, he builds internal leadership pipelines and elevates Vedanta as a global employer of choice. Passionate about social impact, Praveen actively supports NGOs and engages in public speaking at industry and academic forums.
Head - People & Culture, KPMG Global Services
With 25 years in HR, Rupesh excels in leadership development, talent management, and M&A integration. At KPMG Global Services, he leads people strategy, having previously driven HR functions at IHS Markit and Accenture. A public thinker and marathoner, Rupesh blends operational expertise with creativity, contributing to organisational growth and employee engagement across diverse industries.
MD & CEO, Tata Play
With almost 40 years of experience, Harit has led Tata Play since 2010, transforming India’s entertainment industry. His career began in FMCG with Lakmé, Marico, and Pepsi, followed by leadership roles in Shoppers Stop and Vodafone. Under his guidance, Tata Play has revolutionised digital entertainment, consistently exceeding customer expectations in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
CHRO, L&T Technologies
Lakshmanan MT - With over 25 years of experience, Lakshmanan leads the global HR function at L&T Technology Services. His expertise spans talent management, M&As, global mobility, and HR operations, honed at Hexaware, Mphasis, and Capgemini. A former NHRDN Mumbai Chapter President, he is a certified OD practitioner and passionate advocate for skill development and education for underprivileged children.
For the tech whizzes crafting game-changing HR tech solutions
Showcase your expertise in attracting and hiring top talent.
Lead the charge in creating a more inclusive workplace.
Craft exceptional employee journeys and demonstrate your impact.
Navigate change initiatives with finesse.
Be a strategic HR partner driving business success.
Early-career HR professionals can make their mark in this category.
Earn the prestigious HRKatha Rising Star Leader badge and gain industry-wide recognition for your achievements
Build valuable relationships with like-minded HR visionaries and expand your professional network.
Position yourself as a leader in the HR industry and pave the way for future advancements
KNOW MORE ABOUT
PARTICIPATION
The selection process involves a rigorous evaluation by a distinguished panel of industry experts. Winners will be selected based on their contributions, innovation, and potential to become future HR leaders.
Submission of Details:
Fill in your personal details and answer a set of questions related to HR to showcase your perspective, knowledge, and point of view. Share your journey, insights, and impactful contributions to the HR landscape.
Case Study Submission:
Submit a compelling case study that highlights your key achievements, innovative initiatives, and the measurable impact you’ve created for your organisation or the industry. Ensure the case study is in PDF format.
Recommendations:
Provide two letters of recommendation:
One from a senior leader endorsing your achievements, leadership qualities, and the value you’ve brought to your organisation.
One from a peer or junior colleague highlighting your teamwork, mentorship, and positive impact within the organisation.
Payment Process:
Complete the registration fee payment online via the payment gateway on the website after submitting your nomination details.
This is your opportunity to shine and earn the prestigious title of HRKatha Rising Star Leader! Don’t just apply—make your mark!
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Delegates register and network over welcome refreshments
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Opening remarks by HRKatha leadership setting the summit's vision and objectives.
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Thought-provoking insights on leadership evolution in the digital age, delivered by a renowned industry visionary.
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Leading executives discuss integrating artificial intelligence into leadership strategies, driving innovation, and empowering teams through technological advancement. Panelists will explore practical approaches to AI adoption, change management, and building digitally-savvy organizations.
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Refreshments and informal networking opportunities for delegates to connect and exchange ideas.
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
Industry leaders examine strategies for creating diverse leadership teams, fostering inclusive cultures, and breaking barriers. Discussion covers unconscious bias, talent pipeline development, and the business impact of diverse leadership on organizational performance and innovation.
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Networking lunch with opportunities for meaningful conversations and relationship building.
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Inspiring address by a successful entrepreneur sharing insights on scaling businesses, building high-performance teams, and navigating challenges in the startup ecosystem.
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Intimate conversation with two prominent CEOs discussing their leadership journeys, key decisions, failures, and successes that shaped their organizations and personal growth.
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Real-world case studies showcasing successful leadership development programs and organizational transformations across industries including technology, manufacturing, and financial services.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PMM
Afternoon refreshments and continued networking opportunities.
5:15 PM - 6:00 PM
Recognition and celebration of outstanding leadership achievements, presented by distinguished jury members and industry veterans.
© 2025 HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards