ET CHRO Annual Conclave 2025

In today's accelerating business landscape, change isn't merely something to manage - it's a powerful current to harness, and our CHROs are leading it in the boardrooms.

KPMG in India collaborated with ET HR as Knowledge Partner for the 4th Edition of ET HR CHRO Conclave. A two-day immersive conference for HR and business leaders on “Ride the waves of change” offered actionable strategies, meaningful dialogue, and fresh insights to shape the workplaces of tomorrow. A symposium of over 100 CHROs was a high-impact gathering that served as both a sanctuary and a crucible for the minds shaping the future of work in India’s most dynamic organisations.

Hear from the experts

Sunit Sinha shares his three key takeaways, firstly the study that was done on the future of the role of a CHRO, secondly how leaders need to be ready for the new world, and lastly AI, how AI is shaping work and culture

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Maneesha Garg says, it is important to recognise the power of CHROs because they have the influencing power to shape the role of how HR sees itself in the new dynamic world at the 4th Edition ETHRWorld CHRO Annual Conclave

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In today's fast-paced environment, performance without wellbeing doesn't last. Mindful leadership means being present, having purpose, and caring for people. When leaders lead with attention and empathy, they build cultures where people don’t just work, they grow

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In current times of innumerable possibilities and rapid technological advancements, human resource leaders have to anchor delivery of employee experience to ensure promise of company's values and EVPs stay on course

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KPMG in India moderated two panels at the conclave:

Panel 1
Panel 2

Speed round on compound your CHRO power: Become a true partner to the CEO

The panel focused on how the CHRO role had evolved far beyond managing HR operations-it was a strategic linchpin for business success. In that environment of rapid change, CEOs needed CHROs who could anticipate workforce shifts, shape organisational culture, and drive growth agendas. Being a “true partner” meant combining business acumen with people insight, influencing boardroom decisions, and acting as a co-pilot in navigating transformation

Key discussion points were

Understanding the CEO’s Lens

What CEOs expected from CHROs beyond HR expertise

Anticipating and Acting on Workforce Trends

Leveraged data to forecast skills gaps and workforce needs before they became crises.

High-Trust CEO–CHRO Relationship

Built a partnership grounded in transparency, challenge, and shared goals.

Fast-Track Influence Strategies

Quick wins that demonstrated strategic value in 90 days or less.

Measuring the CHRO’s Business Impact

Tied people initiatives to clear business outcomes.

Moderator

Arun Sharma

Partner, Human Capital Advisory Solutions

KPMG in India

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Happiness perspectives on mindful leadership: Balancing high performance with inner balance

The panel focused on how happiness at work was no longer a “nice-to-have” but a strategic driver of performance, innovation, and retention. In a world of constant deadlines and shifting priorities, leaders who combined mindfulness with a focus on workplace happiness could create an environment where high performance was sustained without sacrificing well-being. This approach required a cultural transformation—moving from a results-only mindset to one where human flourishing was integral to success. This session explored how leaders could align inner balance with organisational performance goals, creating a virtuous cycle of productivity and fulfilment.