In conversation with Arvind Srivastava, President – HR, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Moderated by: Pratik Sen, Vice President & Regional Business Head, TeamLease Services Limited
Reflecting on the transformation of the HR function, Arvind highlighted how the role has moved decisively from an administrative, execution-focused function to a central pillar of business strategy.
“Earlier, HR came into the picture after strategy was finalised. Today, HR is part of the strategy itself—designing people systems aligned to business expansion, technology adoption, and customer expectations.”
Having worked across multiple industries, Arvind emphasised that while HR fundamentals remain constant, execution must be tailored to sector-specific realities.
In pharmaceuticals, for instance, regulatory compliance and quality culture are paramount.
“In pharma manufacturing, everyone entering the plant—skilled or unskilled—must internalise compliance and safety as daily habits. HR’s role is to embed this into culture, not enforce it as a rulebook.”
As organisations scale, productivity expectations often rise alongside fatigue, attrition, and execution pressure—especially at the frontline and shopfloor levels.
Arvind underscored that productivity is an outcome, not a directive.
“People must understand why an initiative exists, not just what they are expected to do. Purpose-driven communication is the foundation of sustainable performance.”
With skill requirements evolving faster than traditional hiring models, Arvind advocated a strong bias toward internal capability building.
“Trained talent is rarely available off the shelf. Investing in existing employees is faster, more sustainable, and culturally aligned.”
Looking ahead to the next 3–5 years, Arvind believes HR leaders will face increasing complexity across compliance, workforce models, and technology adoption—particularly with the implementation of India’s new labour codes.
“It is not humans versus AI—it is humans with AI. HR must lead this narrative.”
As the conversation concluded, one theme resonated strongly—human connection remains irreplaceable.
“AI is emotionless. Empathy, trust, and accessibility will always sit at the centre of organisational excellence.”
Watch the full Samvaad: In Conversation with Arvind Srivastav, President HR, AKUMS
About Arvind Srivastav
Arvind Srivastava is a seasoned Human Resource leader with over 29 years of comprehensive experience in people strategy, HR operations, talent management, and organizational transformation. He currently serves as President – HR at Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., where he drives HR strategy to build high-performance cultures, strengthen leadership capability, and enable sustainable business growth.
Throughout his career, Arvind has cultivated deep expertise in restructuring organisations, enhancing employee engagement, and implementing forward-looking HR frameworks that align people priorities with business objectives. He is known for his strategic mindset, strong operational acumen, and ability to lead large-scale change initiatives across diverse functions and industries.
An advocate for innovation in HR, Arvind actively engages in industry discourse on topics like AI-powered performance management, talent strategy, and future-ready HR practices. He is a valued speaker and thought partner at HR forums and leadership events, where he shares insights on evolving workplace dynamics and people-centric leadership.
You can connect with Arvind Srivastava here.
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