XLRI Jamshedpur successfully hosted Kronos 4.0 – The Annual Flagship CHRO Conclave

The Conclave Committee of XLRI Jamshedpur, PGDM (GM) Batch 2024-25 hosted the event Kronos 4.0 – the Annual Flagship CHRO Conclave. This year’s theme, “HR for the Modern Leader: Bridging the Gap Between HR and Non-HR Functions” focuses on the evolving role of Human Resources (HR) as a strategic partner in today’s dynamic business environment. KRONOS serves as a platform for Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) and industry experts to share invaluable insights on integrating HR principles into various business functions.

The Conclave was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean of Academics and Prof. Dr. P C Padhan, Associate Dean PGDM (GM). Prof. Dr. Sanjay Patro addressed the audience and thanked the speakers for taking the time to interact with the students of XLRI PGDM (GM). He inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp & inviting the speakers to initiate an exchange on thoughts HR for the Modern Leader, an effective exchange to inspire and transform the student’s mindset. Prof. Dr. P C Padhan inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and graced the event with his presence.

The event moved ahead into the panel discussion themed on the Topic “Campus Hiring vs. Market Hiring: Strategic Differences & Benefits“. Mr. Suraj Chetri, VP – Head of HR, Airbus India: Suraj emphasized that in the realm of hiring and onboarding, addressing key aspects early on is paramount. Building a strong relationship with new hires begins the moment they accept the job offer, not just when they start. Ms. Shruti Shrivastava Pawar, Senior Vice President HR, Citi: She emphasized Aligning your aspirations with the company culture to ensure a successful fit, staying up to date with technological advancements and embracing learning agility as a key to career success. Mr. Himanshu Misra, Head of Human Resources, Axis Asset Management: Himanshu highlighted that the initial period of joining is a major differentiator between market hires and campus hires. This phase is often turbulent and comes with a steep learning curve. Mr. Binny Dawson, Head – Talent Management and L&D, Export Trading Group: Binny highlighted that the emphasis on academic degrees has shifted towards practical job readiness. The company is now prioritizing hiring individuals who demonstrate the necessary skills and competencies. Mr. Misal, TA Head, KPMG India: Misal points out that while manual resume screening and understanding the reasons for rejections were once necessary, AI has significantly improved this process. The hiring process focus is divided between skill and competency, with 70% emphasis on competency and 30% on skill. Mr. Badari Narayana, Director – Human Resources, Deloitte: Badari stated that while individuals bring their unique skill sets, collaboration between students, faculty, and the company is crucial for effective development. He also advised the students to Effectively blend their skills with personalized content to create a compelling online presence. The Panel was moderated by Ms. Nidhi Uniyal, a student at XLRI Jamshedpur, PGDM (GM).

The next segment was the panel discussion on the topic – “Data-Driven HR: Leveraging Analytics for Better Decision Making”, where our distinguished panelists shared their insights and views over a series of questions. Mr. Dilip Sinha, Chief Human Resources Officer, Vedanta: Mr. Sinha stressed the importance of data analytics in today’s diverse and complex work environment, emphasizing that it is essential for managing HR expectations and making informed decisions. Ms. Renu Jethani, Human Resources Head – India & South Africa, Sutherland Global: Ms. Jethani highlighted the need to leverage data analytics in organizations can identify early warning signals of potential attrition and implement targeted solutions that preserve profitability. Dr. Chandrashekhar P Deshmukh, Chief Human Resources Officer & Legal Head, Kokuyo Camlin Ltd: Dr. Deshmukh emphasized identified key trends shaping the future of HR, including the importance of positive employee experiences, the rise of gig work (freelancers and contractors), increased access to information, and a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Mr. Abhijat Mitra, Chief Human Resources Officer, Tejas Network: Mr. Mitra highlighted how technological advancements have democratized learning and development, offering broader access for larger organizations to harness these opportunities. Mr. Deepu Bhattacharya, Chief Human Resources Officer, Unity Bank: Mr. Bhattacharya highlighted how technological advancements have democratized learning and development, offering highlighted the critical role of data analysis in HR, emphasizing its relevance across all roles, especially in industries like banking where risk-taking involves uncertain data. The Panel was moderated by Mr. Ankit Jha, a student at XLRI Jamshedpur, PGDM (GM).

Post lunch, we went ahead with our third panel Discussion on the topic – “The Importance of Employer Branding in Attracting Top Talent” by our esteemed panelists. Mr. Shivin Tikoo, Chief Human Resources Officer, Mahindra First Choice: Mr. Tikoo explained the importance of a strong employer brand, representing a company’s identity, values, and reputation. A compelling employer brand not only differentiates the company from competitors but also enhances employee retention and engagement. Mr. Ajaykumar M S, Founding Member & Global Head – People and Enablers, Thoucentric: Mr. Ajay dwelled on the growing importance of creating a positive company culture that emphasizes well-being and satisfaction. This people-centric approach involves building trust through transparency and honesty, highlighting the company’s unique value culture and structure, and fostering a culture of employee empowerment. Mr. George Thomas, Chief Human Resources Officer, MSP Steel: Mr. Thomas discussed Gen Z’s access to data empowers them to make informed career choices. A positive work culture and strong HR policies are essential for building a strong company brand and employee feedback is invaluable. Mr. Deepak Yadav, Founder & CIO, CEO Lounge: Mr. Yadav posed thoughtful arguments on how successful organizations prioritize creating a culture that fosters innovation and growth. Effective hiring and retention require a harmonious alignment between the company’s mindset and the employee’s expectations. The Panel was moderated by Mr. Smit Trivedi, a student at XLRI Jamshedpur, PGDM (GM).

After such thought-provoking discussions, the winners of the Kronos 4.0: The Annual Flagship CHRO Conclave Case Competition theme: HR for the Modern Leader- Bridging the Gap Between HR and Non-HR Functions were announced. The case competition event witnessed an overwhelming response, with an impressive total of 37,571 impressions and 1129 teams registering, truly exemplifying the spirit of innovation and excellence in the realm of digital transformation.

The grand event was concluded with a Vote of Thanks. The event was organized seamlessly under the able guidance of Prof. Dr. Kanagaraj Ayyalusamy & Mr. Rajni Ranjan and the entire Conclave Committee- Ms. Himanshi, Ms. Kavya Agarwal, Ms. Sradhamayee Nayak, Mr. Rahul Rathnam, Mr. Shubham Sharma and Mr. Talha Anjum Jamil.