Ayush Khazanchi knows the value of time. "One of the traits that defines my approach to both life and work is execution agility. It's about making timely decisions and swiftly acting upon them to capitalise on opportunities," he reflects. As the Sales HR Manager - North at Marico, he epitomises a strategic approach to human resources characterised by execution agility and a relentless pursuit of developing future-ready talent within organisations.

Reflecting on the past and future 

Ayush's journey into HR began after completing his graduation in Computer Science when he discovered the transformative potential of technology in enhancing the employee lifecycle. "I was intrigued by how technology could optimise HR processes and contribute strategically to organisational success," he recalls. Pursuing his Masters in Human Resources at TISS, Mumbai, solidified his passion for HR, driven by the desire to make a significant impact on business outcomes through data-driven strategies.

Reflecting on the evolving people and workplace trends in 2024, Ayush emphasises the importance of continuous learning, diverse skill development, and inclusive leadership styles. "Employees must continually unlearn and relearn to adapt to changing business needs, while leadership must evolve to inspire and empower diverse teams," he observes. Looking ahead to HR in 2025, Ayush envisions a landscape where HR practices are hyper-personalized to cater to a diverse, multi-generational workforce. "I believe in focusing on personalised employee experiences and skills-based hiring to meet the evolving needs of the workforce," he states.

Transforming HR at Marico

Ayush's role in developing HR capabilities at Marico has been pivotal, particularly in enhancing the Sales ecosystem through data-driven talent management processes. "We monitor our salesforce's performance closely against our competency framework, enabling us to identify and develop key competencies critical for business success," he explains. This approach has fueled talent development and created a robust pipeline for internal promotions within the Sales division.

Addressing the biggest challenge in HR today, Ayush highlights the imperative of nurturing future-ready talent amidst evolving business dynamics. "Our initiatives focus on stretch projects, digital learning platforms, and interactive capability-building programs to ensure our workforce remains agile and equipped with cutting-edge skills," he elaborates. These efforts are designed to foster continuous learning and adaptability among employees, which is crucial for staying competitive in the industry.

Recognition from Are You In The List 2024 awards

Participating in the People Matters Are You In The List 2024, Powered by Aon Awards was a very fruitful experience for Ayush, offering valuable insights into his strengths and areas for growth. "The assessments provided deep insights into my professional preferences and competencies, guiding me on how to develop my leadership skills further," he reflects. He adds that the mentorship session with CHRO Rajeev Bhardwaj was particularly impactful, offering a forum to discuss challenges and seek guidance from industry leaders. "The awards journey reinforced my commitment to continuous improvement and strategic HR practices," Ayush notes. It equipped him with new perspectives and strategies to navigate complex HR challenges and contribute effectively to Marico's growth trajectory.

Ayush Khazanchi’s dynamic HR leadership demonstrates his commitment to driving organisational success through agile talent management and strategic HR initiatives. His vision for HR in 2025 underscores his dedication to implementing a culture of continuous learning and inclusivity, essential for navigating the future of work with resilience and innovation.

Learn new perspectives, meet new leaders, and hear the stories of winners of the Are You In The List on #AreYouInTheList.