THE SEISMIC SHIFT

GROWING CITIES LEADING INDIA'S NEXT TALENT FRONTIER

Companies are pursuing growth centres in Tier 2 cities as new talent hubs, driving the big talent hunt due to a combination of factors, including cost advantages, lifestyle preferences, remote work trends, and proactive local policies. Today, global enterprises are looking beyond metros for better access to talent.

These new favourites are not just growing—they're becoming powerhouses of innovation and opportunity. They attract top talent, drive economic growth, and set new benchmarks for excellence. This shift positions them as vital contributors to India's future, showcasing their potential to evolve into global hubs of talent and innovation.

People Matters SurgeHR Conference is an exclusive platform to share ideas and find answers to your HR and talent-related questions through powerful keynotes, insightful panel discussions, engaging fireside chats, and hands-on workshops.

PUNE

INR 3999 + Taxes

For the Day long Pass

Who Should
Attend

TALENT MANAGERS
TALENT ACQUISITION LEADERS
L&D LEADERS
STARTUP HR LEADERS, FOUNDERS & CEOS
TOTAL REWARDS LEADERS
DEI ADVOCATES
TALENT ANALYTICS PROFESSIONALS
CHROS, CXOS, HR HEADS, REGIONAL HR HEADS & LEADS

Agenda

9:00 AM- 9:30 AM
Registration

9:30 AM - 9:40 AM
Opening Address

Welcome to SurgeHR

9:40 AM - 10:10 AM
Welcome Address

Talent Beyond Boundaries: Ushering in a New Era of Workforce Transformation

Join us as we delve into 'Talent Beyond Boundaries,' uncovering how Tier 2 cities are reshaping India's workforce. SurgeHR Pune is your gateway to understanding and navigating this exciting new talent frontier.

Pushkar Bidwai

CEO & People Matters

10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote Address

The Culture Shift: Leading with Purpose in a Changing Talent Marketplace

Explore the critical culture shifts necessary to navigate the evolving talent landscape. Learn how leading with purpose can drive organizational success and foster a thriving workforce in uncertain times.

Harsh Kumar

Chief Human Resource Officer & Poonawalla Fincorp

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Global Talent Playbook

Strategies for a New World of Work

Jyoti Dadlani

Regional Head - LinkedIn India

10:50 AM - 11:20 AM
Spotlight Dialogue

Forging Resilience & Sustainability: Talent Strategies for Industrial Giants in a Dynamic World

Discover how industrial leaders are forging resilient and sustainable talent strategies in a dynamic world. This session explores navigating volatility, integrating ESG goals, and preparing for the future of industry.

Srinivasu Malladi

Vice President & Head HR, Bharat Forge Ltd

Pallavi Verma

Senior Editor, People Matters

11:20 - 11:40
Tea Break

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
Case Study

Building from within – A Tier 1 Auto firm strategy for talent development and retention

This title highlights Varroc's focus on nurturing internal talent. It suggests the session will explore how Varroc cultivates employee growth and loyalty through its Talent GPS system, rather than relying heavily on external hiring.

Kavita Kulkarni

Group CHRO, Varroc Engineering

12:00 PM - 12:40 PM
Leadership Collective 1

Pune Warriors - Building from Local Roots to Global Reach

Explore the HR strategies driving Pune-grown organizations to global success. This session delves into building strong cultures, navigating global trends, and fostering operational excellence for sustained business impact.

Preeti Ahuja

CPO, Husk Power

Naresh Kumar Pinisetti

President - HR & Governance, Deepak Fertilisers And Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd

Priyotosh Das

Director and Global Head of Total Rewards, Zensar Technologies

12:40 PM - 2:00 PM
Lunch

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM
Expert Outlook

Digital Leadership & Cultural Transformation in the AI Era

Explore how Mastercard is reimagining talent acquisition to meet the demands of a fast-evolving digital economy. This session uncovers how their TA function is driving impact through data-driven decisions, inclusive hiring strategies, and scalable processes that power global growth while elevating the candidate experience.

Pallavi Verma

Senior Editor, People Matters

PRIYANK VAJPAI

VIce President & Head Talent Acquisition South Asia, Mastercard

Anjali Scott

HR Head Rail Division, Knorr-Bremse Technology Center India

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM
Case Study 2

How Learning Ecosystem Can Future-Proof Talent for Global Next-Gen Technologies.

This case study will examine a dynamic and adaptable learning ecosystem at Tech Mahindra that enables the organization to proactively respond to the evolving demands of global next-gen services. It will showcase how they are anticipating future skill requirements, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and empowering their workforce to thrive amidst rapid technological advancements.

Ritu Manuja

Learning Head – NEXT GEN Services, Tech Mahindra

2:40 PM - 3:20 PM
Leadership Collective 2

The Empowered Ascent: How GCCs in Emerging Hubs are Fueling Women's Workforce Participation

Discover how GCCs in emerging hubs like Pune are strategically leveraging family-centric benefits to attract and retain a diverse workforce, particularly women. This panel explores the evolving HR landscape where supportive policies drive both business growth and increased female participation.