Leadership - Executive Council

Executive Council

The Executive Committee is a pool of senior HR/IR professionals, charged with the activities of the Mumbai Chapter. This team strives to faithfully represent the mission of NIPM to exchange ideas and experiences and collection and dissemination of information on management in general and personnel management, industrial relations, labour & social welfare. The team also reflects on the ongoing challenge of assisting HR/IR professionals transition into being a business partner. This team represents the Institute and its interests before Local, State and Central authorities and other organisations,commissions, boards, enquiry bodies etc. in the region.

  • Salil Desai

    Chairman

    Mr. Salil Desai, Master of Labour Studies, Mumbai University, 1992 batch is Director of Talent & Culture at Sofitel Hotels & Resorts’ flagship property in India, Sofitel Mumbai BKC.
    Before joining Sofitel Mumbai BKC, worked with NOCIL, Hotel LeelaKempinski, Essel Group and Intergold (I) Limited.
    Recipient of prestigious HR awards.

  • Deodatta Kalyankar

    Vice Chairman

    Deodatta is Post Graduate from XLRI- Jamshedpur & Master in Labour Studies from Mumbai University. Recognized in the list of 50 most influential HR Leaders of India. A Business Oriented HR Leader with demonstrated ability to deliver results with 25+ years of diversified experience in sectors across BFSI, Electronics, Telecom, IT, and Consulting. Have been associated with MNC’s (Avaya, & Aon) and Large Companies (Tata & Essar) as well as with Aon Global, ZICOM, AGC Networks Ltd (Tata Telecom Ltd) and past roles includes Director HR, Global / Corporate HR Head.Currently Chief Talent Officer of FUGEN HR Business Solutions and strongly believes in creating value through people Initiatives and have successfully led organization wide change Initiatives from Strategic planning to Execution

  • Rajendra Tawde

    Vice Chairman

    Rajendra Tawde, Master of Labour Studies, Mumbai University 1998 batch has 20 years of rich Industry Experience. Currently he is heading Business HR, Real Estate Division of Kalpataru group and is more known for People Management, Employee Relations& Statutory Compliances. He has worked with Companies like RKHS, UNISOL prior to joining Kalpataru group.

  • Vilas Kulkarni

    Treasurer

    Vilas Kamalakar Kulkarni, Age 56, Master of Labour Studies from Mumbai University from -1994 batch. Currently working with Arkema Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd. (French-base company) as a General Manager- HR & IR. Previously worked at Unit level with Mumbai Dyeing, Century Rayon, United White Metal (OTIS), Parle Bisleri.

  • Vilas Bhalerao

    Hon. Secretary

    Mr. Vilas Bhalerao is a versatile and collaborative HR & IR Leader with over 22 years of diverse experiences in reputed manufacturing companies. Currently, he holds the position of Vice President - Human Resources at Kolsite Group Company. Throughout his career, he has worked with notable organizations such as Vadilal, Hindustan Unilever, Reliance Industries, and RDC Concrete.
    Mr. Bhalerao is passionate about helping organizations deliver sustained business results by building, inspiring, and coaching diverse teams to their full potential. His expertise lies in various areas of HR, including Accountability Building, Inside-Out Coaching, Strategic Performance Management, and Employee Relations.
    With a deep understanding of human resources and organizational dynamics, Mr. Bhalerao is skilled in creating and implementing layered succession planning processes within companies. He is also certified in 16PF and is a DISC Certified Trainer.

  • Manoj Kambli

    Addl. Secretary

    Manoj is Director - Business HR & Operations of I Smart Facitech.He has 20 + years of experience in handling HR & IR functions of companies having large work force.In his previous role he was responsible to handle manpower of 18000+ employees as General Manager - HR & IR of SMS Integrated Facility Management.
    In 2017, Manoj embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by establishing Comfort Facility Management as the Founder Director. The company has since been renamed as I Smart Facitech and has grown to have a manpower of 3,000+ employees.
    Manoj's expertise include Talent Acquisition, Contract Labour Management handling Industrial Disputes,Trade Unions,Conciliation Matters.
    His extensive experience in these areas has equipped him with necessary skills to navigate complex HR and IR challenges.

  • Dr. (Mrs). Aruna Vinay Deshpande

    EC Member

    PhD ( Business Management) M.Com, MPM, DCA, NET.
    Associate Professor University of Mumbai, Alkesh Dinesh Mody Institute for Financial and Management Studies,having an Industry and Teaching experience of 25 years including 18 years as an academician, specialized in Human Resources Management and General Management.

  • Dr Suhas Rao

    EC Member

    Dr.Suhas.J. Rao, is Head of Operations and Training with YogHit Nexus at Mumbai, having a double Doctorate in Marketing and HR, an alumnus of SJMSOM -IIT Mumbai & IIM Lucknow, with professional qualifications in HR,L& D, Higher Education, Marketing, Tourism, Retail, Hospitality & Food Technology. He has progressive experience in the Aviation & Hospitality domain of more than 3 decades besides Academic engagements. He is conversant with Behavioral Psychometric Assessment Tools such as FIRO-B, HOGAN, BIRKMAN& MBTI.

  • Ms. Rachna Pednekar

    EC Member

    Rachna Pednekar Master of Management Studies has more than of 13 years of Industry experience. She was associated with Jaslok&Saifee hospitalfor more than 11 years. Rachna is an internationally certified Coach in Yog Science & Mind restructuring techniques. Rachna has conducted Workshops on Motivation, Stress Management, Team Building, Conflict Management, Positive Living etc.
    She has won the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Gold Medal ‘award in the year 2013 for her dedication and achievements in the field of Social Service.

  • Dr Hemant Nikam

    EC Member

    Dr. Hemant Nikam is an accomplished professional with over three decades of experience in leadership and strategic roles within the pharmaceutical and engineering industries. He is a Senior Director - Human Resources for Eisai Pharmaceuticals India, a Japanese Multinational Company. He has a Ph.D. in Management from Amity University and a Master's Degree in Labour Studies from Mumbai University. He has served on the Board of Directors for Perrigo India, a US-based global pharmaceutical company, as well as Garware Hi-Tech Films Ltd.
    Dr. Nikam has also worked with several prominent organizations including John Cockerill India, an European engineering company, Hindustan Construction Company, Schrader Duncan Ltd., Unimark Remedies, Indofil Industries and Kopran Pharmaceuticals.

  • Ms. Neetu Shukla

    EC Member

    Neetu is a HR professional with over 12 years of experience in various industries including Pharma, BFSI, IT, and Manufacturing.Her diverse industry experience and deep knowledge of HR practices make her a valuable asset in the field of talent management and acquisition.She holds an MBA degree from ITM Mumbai
    Currently serving as the Lead Talent Management and Acquisition at EPL Limited, She has a strong background in managing and leading HR functions for companies operating in India and ASEAN countries.
    With her expertise in Strategic HR, Organizational Development, Change Management, Performance Management, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, and Industrial Relations, Neetu brings valuable insights and skills to drive growth and success in her role.
    She is dedicated to helping organizations attract, develop, and retain top talent, while fostering a positive and productive work .

  • Mr. Nikhil Gadodia

    EC Member

    Mr. Nikhil Gadodia, Masters of Management Studies, Mumbai University, 2006 batch. Has nearly 18 years of diverse experience in Business HR, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise across a range of sectors, from dynamic startups to large enterprises, including organizations affiliated with the Government of India. His professional journey has been marked by my hands-on approach to establishing and managing HR processes, overseeing the entire employee lifecycle, and leading Corporate HR functions.

    He has successfully navigated the strategic HR landscape, contributing to the growth and transformation of the organizations he’s worked with. His experience also extends to the administration of HR technology, ensuring seamless integration and efficient management of HR systems.

    In addition to his core HR responsibilities, he have a strong background in managing social media platforms for employer branding, leveraging digital channels to enhance organizational reputation and attract top talent.

Top