‘Shifting Gears: HR Strategies for a Disruptive Automotive Landscape’
New Delhi, 26 September 2024: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised the SIAM Automotive HR Conclave, themed “Shifting Gears: HR Strategies for a Disruptive Automotive Landscape.” The conclave discussed the key trends reshaping the HR landscape in the automotive sector and explored HR strategies that will drive industry growth, aligned with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047. The conclave had enthusiastic involvement from government officials, CHROs of Automotive Industry, HR Professionals, HR Consultants, HR tech solution providers, academia and other key stakeholders in Automotive HR sector.
During the conclave, two key reports were unveiled: the ‘SIAM Handbook for Service Advisers and Service Technicians,’ created in partnership with SIAM and the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), and the ‘Automotive Talent in Top Gear – Industry Report on HR Trends in the Automotive Sector,’ developed in collaboration with SIAM and Deloitte India.
Mr Charles JS Walter, Chairman SIAM Human Capital Group and Vertical Head & AVP – Human Resources, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Said, “The theme of this conclave is especially relevant as disruptions to traditional practices have completely reshaped the landscape and we have embraced this disruption. We are achievers who thrive in the face of change and in a world where disorder is the new order. This conclave highlights how disruption is now a mainstay and a central part of our culture and success.”
On this occasion, Mr Vinod Aggarwal, Immediate Past President, SIAM and Managing Director & CEO, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., said, “India’s economy, now at $3.7 trillion, is growing fast, and the automotive sector is playing a big role. It contributes 15% of the country’s GST and has a turnover of ₹20 lakh crore. The key to this growth is our human capital. Taking care of employees and encouraging innovation is important. This conclave highlights how people are crucial in facing challenges and shaping the future of HR in the automotive industry.”
The conclave included insightful sessions such as “Fueling Innovation – Building Talent Capability in the Automotive Industry,” “Belonging in the Automotive Industry – Fostering a Culture of Diversity & Inclusion,” and “Beyond the Wheel – Skilling Up for the Future of Automotive.” These sessions highlighted key trends shaping the industry, the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace, and the need for upskilling to meet the evolving demands of the automotive sector.
The panels included esteemed industry leaders, including: Mr. Raja Radhakrishnan, President – HR, Ashok Leyland Ltd.; Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Vice President – HR, Bajaj Auto Ltd.; Mr. Rohit Thakur, Chief Human Resources Officer – Auto & Farm Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; Mr. Salil Lal, Executive Officer & Chief Human Resources Officer, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.; and Mr. R Anandakrishnan, President – HR & IT, TVS Motor Company Ltd, Ms. Jyoti Singh, Head of HR (R&D) and Diversity & Inclusion at Hero MotoCorp Ltd.; Ms. Amrita Ganguly, Chief Diversity Officer at Tata Motors Ltd; Mr. Dharm Rakshit, Head of HR (Plant) and Employee Relations Lead at Hero MotoCorp Ltd.; Mr. Sushil Kumar Agarwal, Joint Director at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India amongst others who shared their insights on preparing a future- ready talents in the automotive sector.
