The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) plays a pivotal role in any organization, serving as the strategic leader responsible for aligning human capital with business objectives. Their duties encompass a spectrum of responsibilities, ranging from fostering a performance-driven culture to nurturing talent pipelines and ensuring regulatory compliance. The CHRO is instrumental in enhancing employee engagement, optimizing the employee experience, and diagnosing and addressing people-related challenges that impact overall business performance.
Arun Leslie George, in his capacity as the President & CHRO at Coromandel International, epitomizes the essence of this critical role. With a keen focus on aligning organizational goals with human capital strategies, Arun is dedicated to fostering a high-performance culture within the company. He emphasizes the significance of talent development and succession planning to ensure a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who can drive the company's growth initiatives forward.
Arun's strategic approach extends beyond traditional HR functions; he actively engages in diagnosing and resolving people-related issues that impede business success. By strengthening systems and processes, he ensures operational efficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance. Arun is a catalyst for change, spearheading initiatives to transform Coromandel International into an agile and adaptable organization capable of thriving in dynamic market landscapes.
In essence, Arun Leslie George embodies the quintessential modern CHRO, leveraging his expertise to bridge the gap between business objectives and human capital strategies, thereby driving sustainable growth and organizational success. Let’s read on.
How have your experiences at Carnegie Mellon University, Harvard Business School, and Loyola College prepared you with the necessary skills to excel in the HR industry?
Attending esteemed institutions like Carnegie Mellon and Harvard Business School not only provides management knowledge but also prompts critical introspection. A significant lesson I gleaned was the profound impact HR can have on customer experience, thereby playing a pivotal role in cultivating a competitive edge for organizations. The efficacy of HR in fostering sustainable competitive advantage hinges on mastering key competencies such as change management, fostering organizational culture, facilitating senior team decision-making processes, nurturing teams and organizational learning, stimulating innovation streams, and fostering ambidextrous organizations, among others. Moreover, these experiences enhance business acumen, a vital asset for success in HR.
How has talent acquisition evolved over recent years, and how has the advent of AI impacted the recruitment process?
The talent landscape has undergone substantial transformation in recent times, particularly in India where robust economic growth has spurred a heightened demand for skilled professionals.
However, the supply of talent hasn't kept pace with this rapid expansion, leading to a competitive market where candidates have ample choices and may even switch employers despite accepting offers. In response, employers must rethink their talent acquisition strategies, emphasizing Employee Value Proposition (EVP) initiatives to attract and retain targeted talent segments. Crafting a unique, authentic, and effectively communicated EVP is essential for success, bolstering an employer's brand amidst fierce competition.
Furthermore, the talent acquisition process itself requires adaptation. Candidates are now more equipped with resources from the internet, necessitating recruiters to enhance their interviewing techniques, incorporating psychometric tests and competency-based assessments. Meanwhile, technological advancements, notably AI, have revolutionized recruitment practices. AI tools streamline tasks like resume screening, candidate sourcing, and initial evaluations, allowing recruiters to allocate more time to enriching candidate interactions. Consequently, this enhances the overall quality of hires, marking a significant evolution in talent acquisition methodologies.
Before becoming the CHRO at Coromandel International, you held several key positions. Can you explain how these roles helped you ascend to your current position?
Prior to assuming the role of CHRO at Coromandel International, I held positions as the head of SSP Business for four years and Retail Business for another four years. In these roles, I successfully orchestrated turnarounds and propelled both businesses onto high-growth trajectories. Direct involvement in business operations afforded me invaluable insights into the fundamental drivers of success. It honed my ability to discern and prioritize critical initiatives, channeling time and resources effectively. While myriad areas in a business may warrant improvement, distinguishing the pivotal drivers of growth and profitability is paramount. This discernment necessitates a focus on execution rather than succumbing to the urge to address every issue. A comprehensive understanding of business dynamics is essential for HR leadership, enabling effective alignment of team efforts and resources toward these key drivers.
Our aim is to empower individuals to reach their full potential by removing any obstacles hindering their performance, whether they're personal, managerial, or systemic
How do you inspire your team to improve performance, and what principles shape your leadership philosophy?
Our aim is to empower individuals to reach their full potential by removing any obstacles hindering their performance, whether they're personal, managerial, or systemic. Establishing an environment conducive to high performance is paramount, providing clear roles, adequate resources, recognition, and supportive management. Emphasizing strengths is key; while everyone has weaknesses, fostering a culture where individuals feel comfortable acknowledging them allows for collaboration with complementary skill sets. Surrounding oneself with those possessing superior skills enables elevated performance. Encouraging an open atmosphere where dissent is welcomed fosters constructive feedback and growth. Viewing failures as learning opportunities rather than criticisms is essential for continuous improvement and resilience.
How do you ensure you stay abreast of the evolving trends in HR and technology, and how do you integrate these advancements into your practices? Looking ahead, what are your professional aspirations for the next five years?
To remain current, I engage with a variety of resources including books, journals, and podcasts, while networking with industry professionals and experts to exchange insights on emerging trends. The dynamic landscape of HR technology, catalyzed by a new wave of employees, necessitates adaptation. Embracing HR tech is essential for efficiency amid resource constraints. Cultivating a tech-savvy team is paramount, achieved through benchmarking against industry peers and fostering awareness among HR staff.
Personally, I envision a focus on nurturing young talent. Many bright minds lack guidance, potentially derailing promising careers. I aim to contribute by mentoring emerging HR professionals, offering the support and direction needed for a solid foundation. My roadmap entails empowering the next generation, ensuring they thrive in the ever-evolving HR landscape.
Arun Leslie George, President & CHRO, Coromandel International
Arun Leslie George is the President & CHRO at Coromandel International, where he aligns human capital strategies with organizational goals to foster a high-performance culture. His extensive experience has equipped him with the skills to drive talent development and business growth. Arun's leadership emphasizes innovation, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance, making him a pivotal force in the company's success.
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