The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted its SIAM Automotive HR Conclave, themed “Shifting Gears: HR Strategies for a Disruptive Automotive Landscape.” The event explored key trends shaping the HR sector within the automotive industry and discussed strategies to drive growth in alignment with India’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. Government officials, CHROs from leading automotive companies, HR professionals, consultants, tech solution providers, academia, and other key stakeholders participated in the conclave.
Two significant reports were unveiled during the event: the ‘SIAM Handbook for Service Advisers and Service Technicians,’ created in collaboration with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), and the ‘Automotive Talent in Top Gear – Industry Report on HR Trends,’ developed jointly by SIAM and Deloitte India.
Charles JS Walter, Chairman of SIAM Human Capital Group and AVP of Human Resources at Hyundai Motor India Ltd., emphasized the relevance of the conclave’s theme. He noted, “Traditional practices have been disrupted, reshaping our industry, and we’ve embraced this change. This conclave highlights how disruption has become a cornerstone of our culture and success.”
Vinod Aggarwal, Immediate Past President of SIAM and Managing Director & CEO of Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., highlighted the importance of human capital, saying, “India’s rapidly growing $3.7 trillion economy owes a great deal to the automotive sector, which contributes 15% of the nation’s GST and has a turnover of ₹20 lakh crore. Our growth is driven by our people, and this conclave underscores the critical role of human capital in overcoming challenges and shaping the future of HR in the automotive industry.”
The event featured thought-provoking sessions like “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 discussions focused on trends such as innovation, inclusivity, and upskilling to meet the industry’s evolving needs.
Prominent speakers included Raja Radhakrishnan, President – HR, Ashok Leyland Ltd.; Sabyasachi Ray, VP – HR, Bajaj Auto Ltd.; Rohit Thakur, Chief HR Officer – Auto & Farm Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; Salil Lal, Chief HR Officer, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.; R Anandakrishnan, President – HR & IT, TVS Motor Company Ltd.; Jyoti Singh, Head of HR (R&D) and Diversity & Inclusion at Hero MotoCorp Ltd.; Amrita Ganguly, Chief Diversity Officer at Tata Motors Ltd.; Dharm Rakshit, Head of HR (Plant) at Hero MotoCorp Ltd.; and Sushil Kumar Agarwal, Joint Director at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, among others. They shared their insights on equipping talent for the future of the automotive sector.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is the apex body representing all major vehicle and engine manufacturers in India. Established under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, SIAM’s mission is to enhance the automobile industry’s contribution to India’s economic growth while supporting its social and environmental responsibilities. SIAM is recognized as a charitable institution under the Income Tax Act of 1961, focusing on initiatives related to environmental improvement, safety, and the well-being of vehicle users and the general public.
