Tarkesh Gupta, with over 26 years of extensive experience spanning various realms of human resources, administration, and business management, emerges as a stalwart in the HR domain. Currently serving as the CHRO at Fresenius Kabi South Asia, he orchestrates the orchestration of HR operations with finesse and strategic acumen. His journey, embellished with diverse roles at esteemed organizations like Max Bupa Health Insurance Company Ltd, Rockwell Automation India, and Dabur Pharma, speaks volumes about his expertise and commitment to excellence. We, at EliteX, are honored to introduce Tarkesh Gupta as one of the 10 Extraordinary HR Leaders to Watch in 2024.
Tarkesh Gupta | CHRO | Fresenius Kabi
Playing a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture, driving employee engagement, and fostering a supportive work environment, Tarkesh ensures that HR initiatives seamlessly align with business objectives. Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, he recognizes the invaluable contribution of a diverse workforce in propelling innovation and creativity. His pursuit of continuous learning is evident from his multitude of certifications in psychology-related domains, reflecting his dedication to understanding human behavior and organizational dynamics.
“The future of HR promises to be characterized by innovation, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to driving organizational success through its most valuable asset—its people.”
Inspired by unforeseen opportunities, Tarkesh embarked on his HR journey serendipitously, transitioning from a background in science and technology to becoming a seasoned HR leader. His innate ability to blend logical thinking with empathetic decision-making distinguishes him as a visionary HR leader. With an unwavering focus on addressing the concerns that keep CEOs awake at night, he leverages his analytical prowess to drive impactful HR interventions that catalyze business growth and nurture a thriving work culture.
Tarkesh Gupta’s dedication to staying abreast of the latest trends and developments in HR is evident in his multifaceted approach to learning. With a penchant for literature, he immerses himself in books, articles, and blogs, seeking insights into emerging practices and paradigms. Active engagement on LinkedIn further amplifies his exposure to diverse viewpoints and cutting-edge discussions within the HR community. Embracing the concept of reverse mentoring, Tarkesh eagerly learns from the younger generation, harnessing their expertise in technology and contemporary trends to enrich his own perspective. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity, he creates an environment where every voice is valued, ensuring a constant influx of fresh ideas and perspectives.
Reflecting on recent accomplishments, Tarkesh takes pride in the recognition received as a Top Employer by the Top Employer Institute. The achievement symbolizes months of concerted effort and meticulous planning to align organizational practices with stringent certification criteria. This accolade not only affirms the dedication of the entire team but also underscores their commitment to fostering a workplace culture of excellence and inclusivity. Navigating challenges in HR with finesse, Tarkesh acknowledges the perennial struggle of aligning HR initiatives with business imperatives. Leveraging a blend of systematic frameworks and persuasive logic, he endeavors to bridge the gap between divergent perspectives, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. By championing the cause of HR as a strategic partner in driving business success, he navigates through conflicts with pragmatism and foresight.
“Embrace technology and understand the business value chain thoroughly.”
Central to Tarkesh’s leadership philosophy is the cultivation of a positive workplace culture grounded in empowerment and open communication. Embracing a coaching mindset, he empowers individuals to carve their own paths, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. Through transparent dialogue and active listening, he creates a safe space where diverse voices are encouraged, fostering collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.
In the realm of employee engagement and retention, Tarkesh adopts a holistic approach centered on continuous feedback and proactive measures. Leveraging specialized tools for employee feedback, he captures the pulse of the organization, identifying areas for improvement and tailoring interventions to meet evolving needs. From recruitment to retention, every stage of the employee lifecycle is imbued with a commitment to listening, learning, and adapting. Through these concerted efforts, Tarkesh endeavors to create an ecosystem where employees thrive, driving organizational success and fulfillment. Tarkesh Gupta elucidates the pivotal role of HR in driving organizational success, underscoring its transformation from a mere administrative function to a strategic partner in maximizing human potential. Recognizing employees as indispensable assets, HR assumes the responsibility of aligning organizational objectives with human capital strategies, thereby fostering innovation, growth, and competitive advantage.
Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) as foundational principles, Tarkesh advocates for an organic integration of these values into the organizational culture. By fostering an environment where individuals can authentically be themselves, he believes in harnessing the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and creativity. Through initiatives like “Beyond Differences,” Tarkesh sensitizes and spreads awareness of DE&I concepts, nurturing a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Contemplating the future of work, Tarkesh envisions a landscape characterized by technological advancements, virtual workplaces, and a globalized workforce. Embracing AI, machine learning, and data analytics, HR is poised to evolve into a more data-driven and business-centric function. However, amidst these opportunities lie challenges, including maintaining the human touch in an increasingly automated environment and fostering collaboration across diverse teams in virtual settings.
Balancing the needs of employees with organizational goals, Tarkesh emphasizes the importance of prioritization and alignment. By leveraging feedback mechanisms and employee listening tools, HR can identify and address critical needs while ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives. Prioritizing learning and well-being initiatives, Tarkesh aims to enhance employee satisfaction and engagement, ultimately driving positive business outcomes.
For aspiring HR professionals, Tarkesh offers sage advice: keep it simple, business-oriented, and embrace technology while understanding the intricacies of the business value chain. Looking ahead, he envisions HR continuing to embrace automation and AI-driven solutions, catering to the evolving needs of a diverse and dynamic workforce. While challenges abound, the future of HR promises to be characterized by innovation, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to driving organizational success through its most valuable asset—its people.
“HR is no rocket science. We make it complex by using too many tools. Keep it simple, business and people-oriented.”