Mumbai, September 20, 2024: On September 19, 2024, the Retailers Association of India (RAI) successfully hosted the 18th edition of the Manning Modern Retail (MMR) 2024 HR Conclave. An excellent lineup of CEOs, CPOs/CHROs, academic experts, and thought leaders from the industry came together for this much awaited event to discuss the theme of “Evolve, Engage, and Elevate – Shaping the Future of Talent.”
In a time when companies must navigate the rapidly advancing fields of automation and technology, more attention is being paid to a more important investment: human potential. The ability to quickly upskill the workforce is what really sets one company apart from another, even as technology continues to transform industries. The main issue nowadays is not only implementing new technologies; rather, it’s how quickly companies can provide their employees the skills they need for the future.
The CEO of the Retailers Association of India (RAI), Kumar Rajagopalan, stated with reference to MMR 2024: “Our greatest asset remains our people in an era defined by rapid technological change.” Organizations that select the best candidates and provide ongoing training to current employees to stay abreast of emerging technologies will win the future. At Manning Modern Retail 2024, we’re dedicated to building a talent-thriving atmosphere and a forum for the exchange of ideas on lifelong learning. We create a workforce that is not only ready for the future, but actively influencing it by involving and advancing our colleagues.
The key highlight of the conclave was the Keynote address delivered by C K Venkataraman, MD, Titan Company Ltd.
Speaking on the role that HR plays in an organization’s digital transformation, C K Venkataraman stated that HR is essential in changing the organizational culture and mindset and that its job goes beyond merely integrating new technology. HR has to promote a culture of agility and ongoing learning, giving staff members the tools they need to meet new problems in the future. HR plays an important role in guiding the business toward long-term success and sustainable growth in the digital era by coordinating talent strategies with business objectives and creating an innovative work environment.
Notable speakers at MMR 2024 included retail stalwarts such as Adhir Mane, CHRO- Corporate, Raymond Ltd; Arun Mathews, CHRO, Max Landmark Group; Asim Jagdale, CHRO, Arvind Fashions Ltd; Anjali Goel, Head HR, V-Mart Retail Ltd; Chitra D. Ram, CHRO, Yum Restaurants International; Deepali Bhardwaj, CHRO- Business Growth Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts (InterContinental Hotels Group); Harsh Aparanji, CHRO, Landmark Group India; Nandini Mehta, CHRO, Metro Brands Ltd; Nirav Jagad, Chief People Officer, SUGAR Cosmetics; Parineeta Cecil Lakra, Country People & Culture Manager, IKEA India; Priya M Pillai, Head – People Function, Titan Company Ltd.; Robin Sharma, Head- HRBP, Croma; Rohith Kumar, Chief Human Resources Officer,
Asim Jagdale – CHRO, Arvind“It is our responsibility to train and prepare our employees for the intensely competitive and rapidly changing business environment,” stated Fashions Ltd. The business needs teams that can consistently deliver results that go above and beyond expectations and take on ambiguity and complexity head-on. Our employees view the organization as a place where they can learn, develop, and accomplish their objectives. Our employees are eager to grow and thrive, thus the business must meet their expectations.
Adhir Mane – CHRO- Corporate, Raymond Ltd., said, “Investing in the growth of its employees is the most valuable thing a firm can do in the fast-paced business world of today. Our culture of ongoing education and individualized career development not only empowers our staff members, but also creates the conditions for long-term development and innovation. To achieve a win-win offer, individual aspirations must be in line with company objectives.”
Anjali Goel – Head HR, V-Mart Retail Ltd., said, “The key to the success of an organization is employee growth. In a time when flexibility is essential, we must provide our staff members the chance to learn, unlearn, and relearn. We help our people reach their maximum potential by creating a culture that is encouraging and supports ongoing development. This increases engagement, boosts productivity, and eventually has a beneficial business impact. Our staff members need to be given the chance to constantly learn new skills, improve their current knowledge, and accept changing viewpoints.
