New Delhi, August 1, 2026: HR Observer is pleased to announce the final list of recipients for the Leadership Excellence Awards 2026, recognizing accomplished leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, innovation, and measurable business impact across industries. The selection process was conducted through a comprehensive editorial evaluation, with each nomination reviewed on the basis of professional achievements, leadership excellence, organizational impact, industry contributions, and the ability to drive meaningful transformation. The awards are entirely merit-based, with the final decisions made by the HR Observer Editorial Board following a rigorous assessment process.
This year’s final list reflects the diversity and strength of leadership across industries, bringing together senior HR executives and business leaders from global enterprises, multinational corporations, high-growth organizations, and emerging businesses. Each individual featured has demonstrated a consistent commitment to building high-performing workplaces, driving organizational excellence, championing people-first strategies, and creating a lasting impact within their organizations and the broader business community. Their leadership continues to shape the future of work while setting benchmarks for excellence in the profession.
Final List – Leadership Excellence Awards 2026
The following leaders have been selected for the HR Observer Leadership Excellence Awards 2026 after the completion of the editorial review and evaluation process. The list is presented in alphabetical order by name.
| Name | Designation | Organisation | Country |
| Aarti Nair Rhai | Chief Human Resources Officer | ORRA Fine Jewellery | India |
| Ahmad Al Ghamdi | Group Human Resources Officer | stc | Saudi Arabia |
| Anjali Byce | Group Chief Human Resources Officer | Suzlon Energy | India |
| Aparna Kondaboina | General Manager – Human Resources | Microsoft | USA |
| Aritra Sarkar | Chief Human Resources Officer | STL Digital | India |
| Azzah AlSharhan | Group Chief Human Resources Officer | Miral | UAE |
| Biruk Adugna | Human Resources Director | EABSC (Coca-Cola Beverages Africa) | Ethiopia |
| Chantal Schoombie | Chief Human Resources Officer | Aramex | UAE |
| David Goldstein | Founder | TeamBonding | USA |
| Deepa Subbaiah B | Chief Human Resources Officer | Locus | India |
| Deepti Varma | VP, (HR) People eXperience and Technology | Amazon Stores India and Emerging Markets | India |
| Dr. Archana Arcot | Chief People Officer | Unifi | USA |
| Emad Al Ablani | Group Chief Human Resources Officer | National Bank of Kuwait | Kuwait |
| Ganapathi Subramanian | Chief Human Resources Officer | Sundaram Home Finance | India |
| Garima Kochar | Chief Human Resources Officer | KEC Asian Cables Ltd. | India |
| Gaurav Ahluwalia | Vice President and Head of People & Communities (India & South Asia) | Cisco | India |
| Gnanaprakash R | Country HR Manager – Singapore | Hitachi Energy | Singapore |
| Harminder Mohan Bareja | Chief Human Resources Officer, Admin & CSR | Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals | India |
| Jacob Jacob | Group Chief Human Resources Officer | Aster DM Healthcare | UAE |
| Manish Dwivede | Group Chief Human Resources Officer | Allana Group | India |
| Mohammad Alfawazi | Chief Human Resources Officer – MENA | Tabuk Pharmaceuticals | Saudi Arabia |
| Najib Makarem | Group Chief Human Resources Officer | National Holding | UAE |
| Niharika Mohan | Chief Human Resources Officer | Schneider Electric | India |
| Nisha Gopinath | Vice President & Head of Human Resources (India and South Asia) | IBM | India |
| Nupur Shrivastava | HR Leader – India & Asia Pacific | Intel Corporation | India |
| Pavitra Singh | Chief Human Resources Officer & Vice President (India & South Asia) | PepsiCo | India |
| Pramath Nath | Chief Human Resources Officer | Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. | India |
| Preeti Ahuja | Global Chief Human Resources Officer | Husk Power | India |
| Priya Jha Choudhary | Chief Human Resources Officer | Wipro (AI Native Business and Platforms Unit) | India |
| Prof. Dr. M. Amr Sadik | Group Chief Human Resources Officer | CDIC – “Katakit” | Egypt |
| Rajiv Naithani | Chief People Officer | Persistent Systems | India |
| Ranjeeka Sachdev | Chief Human Resource Officer | BMW Group India | India |
| Reem Algasim | Head of Human Resources | Airbus | Saudi Arabia |
| Remadevi Thottathil | Chief Human Resources Officer | Latentview Analytics | India |
| Richard Lobo | Chief People Officer | Tech Mahindra | India |
| Ritesh Pratap Singh | Chief Human Resources Officer | Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages | India |
| Rizwana Shaikh | Chief Human Resources Officer | ACME Group | India |
| Saba Adil | Chief Human Resources Officer | Edelweiss Life Insurance | India |
| Sankha Bhowmick | Chief Human Resources Officer | WhiteOak Capital | India |
| Shane Duffy | Managing Director | ClickOffices.com | UK |
| Shraddhanjali Rao | Head of Human Resources (India) | India | |
| Sinziana Muresan | HR Director | Emerson Automation Solutions | Romania |
| Snigdha Singh | Chief Human Resources Officer | Tata Digital | India |
| Subhanish Malhotra | Group Chief Human Resources Officer | SIMPOLO Group | India |
| Sudhir Dasamantharao | Chief Executive Officer | Adani Enterprise GCC | India |
| Sudeep Kunnumal | Chief Human Resources Officer | Tata Consultancy Services | India |
| Sukhjit S Pasricha | President & Head HR | Jindal Steel Ltd. | India |
| Suresh Kumar C | Chief Human Resources Officer | Pidilite Industries Limited | India |
| Tilak Kapoor | Chief Human Resources Officer | Eastman Auto & Power Ltd | India |
| Yolande Chirwa | Chief Human Resources Officer | TransUnion | South Africa |
HR Observer congratulates every leader featured in the Leadership Excellence Awards 2026 final list. Their achievements reflect a commitment to excellence, innovation, people leadership, and sustainable organizational growth. Through this recognition, HR Observer celebrates leaders who continue to inspire teams, strengthen organizations, and contribute to the advancement of their industries on a global scale.
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