Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
AWARDS & HONOURS
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & LEADERSHIP MANDATE
BOARD & INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Timeline
Hi, I’m

JYOTI MAHENDRU

Chief People Officer
Gurgaon
JYOTI MAHENDRU

Summary

Dynamic HR leader with over 25 years of cross-industry experience in driving people strategy, culture transformation, and organizational effectiveness across global network agencies, retail, and media environments. Proven expertise in guiding enterprises through large-scale change, M&A integrations, and establishing HR functions in high-growth or start-up settings. A trusted advisor to CEOs and senior leadership teams, consistently shaping progressive people strategies while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Built resilient organizations that excel during periods of rapid transformation.

Experienced with driving organizational change and employee engagement. Utilizes strategic HR initiatives to align with business goals and foster positive workplace cultures. Track record of effective talent management, conflict resolution, and policy implementation.

Overview

33
years of professional experience

Work History

McCann Worldgroup India

Chief Talent Officer (CTO)
04.2025 - Current

Job overview

VML (Wunderman Thompson)

Chief People Officer, India
08.2022 - 04.2025

Job overview

McCann Worldgroup

Executive Vice President, HR
04.2018 - 07.2022

Job overview

Consulting Assignments (Freelance & Retainer)

Job overview

  • Approx. 3 years during this career break

Bharti Walmart

Vice President & Head, People
11.2007 - 06.2009

Job overview

Modicare

Vice President HR
04.2004 - 05.2006

Job overview

Barista Coffee Company

Vice President HR
10.2000 - 03.2004

Job overview

STAR TV

Senior Manager HR
03.1995 - 10.2000

Job overview

TATA Press, others

Management Trainee/Asst Manager HR
05.1993 - 03.1995

Job overview

Education

Institute of Management Technology (IMT)
Ghaziabad

MBA from HR
05-1993

University Overview

Hans Raj College, Delhi University

BA Economics (Hons)
06-1991

University Overview

Bluebells International School
New Delhi

Class 12
05-1988

University Overview

Skills

Strategic HR Leadership & Governance

Organizational Restructuring & Change Management

M&A Integration & Culture Transformation

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Leadership

Talent & Succession Management

Leadership Development & Coaching

Performance Management Frameworks

Employer Branding & Talent Acquisition

HR Policy Design & Process Excellence

Employee Engagement & Well-being Strategy

AWARDS & HONOURS

AWARDS & HONOURS
Certified Mental Health Ally – Intellect (2024–2027), Distinguished Alumnus Award – IMT Ghaziabad (2023), EMW International Embodiment of Peace Award – Business Category (2023), Top 20 Most Impactful HR Leaders – CHRO Vision & Innovation Summit (2022), Bronze – Campaign South Asia’s Talent Development Program of the Year (2025, 2019)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & LEADERSHIP MANDATE

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & LEADERSHIP MANDATE
  • Strategic business partner to senior leadership focused on a transformational talent agenda designed to attract, develop and retain the best talent in the industry
  • Lead the People organisation to develop and execute initiatives to be an Employer of Choice in the industry
  • Measure effectiveness of People initiatives and programs to ensure delivery of desired outcomes
  • Contribute to regional/global projects as India market representative
  • Coach managers on leadership development, career pathing and employee engagement
  • Champion DEI initiatives and culture transformation across the organisation
  • Partner with business leaders to align People focused solutions with organisational goals

BOARD & INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

BOARD & INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
  • Active representation of India in women leadership groups and global HR forums
  • Frequent speaker and panellist at HR leadership conferences on transformation, culture and leadership
  • Served as Board Director across multiple companies

Timeline

Chief Talent Officer (CTO)
McCann Worldgroup India
04.2025 - Current
Chief People Officer, India
VML (Wunderman Thompson)
08.2022 - 04.2025
Executive Vice President, HR
McCann Worldgroup
04.2018 - 07.2022
Vice President & Head, People
Bharti Walmart
11.2007 - 06.2009
Vice President HR
Modicare
04.2004 - 05.2006
Vice President HR
Barista Coffee Company
10.2000 - 03.2004
Senior Manager HR
STAR TV
03.1995 - 10.2000
Management Trainee/Asst Manager HR
TATA Press, others
05.1993 - 03.1995
Consulting Assignments (Freelance & Retainer)
Institute of Management Technology (IMT)
MBA from HR
Hans Raj College, Delhi University
BA Economics (Hons)
Bluebells International School
Class 12
JYOTI MAHENDRUChief People Officer