Darshana M. Kangokar
Director- General & Administration Professional With 21+ Years Of Experience
Mumbai
Summary
Strategic HR and General Administration leader with 21+ years of experience driving people operations, compliance, and organizational infrastructure across high-growth startups and multinational environments in technology, financial services, consulting, and BPO sectors. Currently serving as Director – G&A at IgrenEnergi Services Pvt Ltd, a high-tech startup developing Battery Management Systems (BMS) for Electric Vehicles (EV) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Proven ability to establish scalable HR frameworks, build operational governance, manage compliance, and support cross-functional teams including engineering, R&D, and technology development groups. Recognized for strengthening organizational processes, employee engagement, vendor management, and regulatory compliance while enabling business growth in dynamic environments.
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Director – General & Administration
IgrenEnergi Services Pvt Ltd
01.2015 - Current
- Operational Strategy & Scaling (Startup Growth)
- Rapid Scaling & Infrastructure Setup: Experience in taking a company from early-stage to growth phase, including setting up offices, labs, and other facilities.
- Process Implementation: Designing and implementing essential administrative & HR to support rapid headcount growth.
- Vendor & Facility Management: Managing relationships with vendors, suppliers, and legal counsel, especially for specialized equipment or R&D facilities.
- Crisis & Change Management: Ability to navigate the high uncertainty and rapid changes in technology and market conditions.
- Leadership & Organizational Operations
- Lead General & Administrative operations, overseeing HR, corporate compliance, administration, vendor management, and operational governance for a growing technology startup.
- Develop and implement HR policies, operational frameworks, and administrative systems supporting organizational growth and engineering teams.
- Manage employee lifecycle operations including recruitment coordination, onboarding, confirmation management, HR documentation, and employee relations.
- Financial & Business Acumen
- Budgeting & Cash Flow Forecasting: Managing G&A expenses (OpEx), tracking burn rates, and implementing cost controls to stretch funding.
- Fundraising Support: Supporting the C-suite in due diligence, financial modeling, and preparing data for investor rounds (Pre Series Funding, Bridge Funding & Series A).
- Corporate Governance: Establishing proper internal controls, policies, and procedures for compliance with legal and financial regulations.
- Compliance & Governance
- Oversee compliance with statutory regulations including PF, ESIC, Professional Tax, and Gratuity, ensuring regulatory adherence and audit readiness.
- Coordinate legal agreements and vendor contracts while ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
- High-technology startup developing Battery Management Systems for Electric Vehicles and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
- HR & Legal Organizational Leadership
- Talent Acquisition & Scaling: Collaborating with recruiting to onboard large teams quickly, focusing on building a high-performance culture.
- Compliance & Legal Frameworks: Managing employment law, IP protection, and regulatory compliance, particularly for hiring in multiple locations.
- Performance Management & Culture: Creating structures for performance reviews and fostering a culture of accountability
- People & Culture Development: Drive employee engagement programs, internal communications, and workplace culture initiatives supporting a collaborative startup environment.
- Manage employee benefits including group health insurance, life insurance, and welfare programs.
- Operational Support
- Partner with leadership teams to support organizational planning, operational efficiency, and workforce coordination.
- Establish structured administrative processes supporting engineering, R&D, and product development teams working on EV battery technology.
- Soft Skills & Leadership
- Strategic Decision-Making: Ability to make prompt, high-stakes decisions to solve complex operational challenges.
- Exceptional Communication: Bridging the gap between technical, non-technical, and executive stakeholders.
- Empathy & Team Building: Fostering a supportive environment to maintain high employee engagement during stressful, high-growth periods
Manager – HR
TimesofMoney Ltd (Emirates NBD Group Company)
07.2007 - 12.2014
- Managed end-to-end HR operations including onboarding, background verification, employee documentation, and HR records management.
- Administered statutory compliance programs covering PF, ESIC, PT, and Gratuity requirements.
- Coordinated employee benefits and insurance programs, including medical insurance and claim management.
- Resolved employee queries related to payroll, attendance, leave management, and HR policies.
- Organized employee engagement programs, corporate events, and internal communication initiatives.
- Managed vendor relationships including background verification agencies and HR service providers.
Senior Executive – HR & Administration
Future Focus Infotech Pvt Ltd
10.2006 - 06.2007
- Managed employee onboarding documentation including offer letters, remuneration worksheets, tax documentation, and HR records.
- Coordinated bank account setup, employee ID creation, and HR documentation.
- Maintained HR registers, employee files, training calendars, and project documentation.
Senior Officer – HR & Administration
Hero Mindmine (Hero Group)
06.2004 - 10.2006
- Managed HR administration, vendor coordination, and office operations.
- Coordinated trainer deployment and training programs across Mumbai and Pune locations.
- Provided client servicing support for multinational clients including Accenture, JP Morgan Chase, ABN Amro, and L&T Infotech.
- Managed travel arrangements, trainer scheduling, and training logistics.
Customer Service Representative
Zenta Technologies Limited
06.2003 - 04.2004
- Delivered customer service support to American Express clients in the US market.
- Handled credit card payment processing and cheque-related customer issues.
Education
Master in Management - MHRDM
Welingkar Institute of Management
Mumbai07-2016
Bachelor of Commerce -
Shri Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai University
Skills
Budget control
Compliance Management
Problem-solving
Operations management
Decision-making
Strategic planning
Business planning
Verbal and written communication
Negotiation
Business administration
Organizational development
Goal setting
Crisis management
Contract and vendor management
Additional Information
- Date of Birth: 17 August 1981
- Nationality: Indian
- Marital Status: Married
- Notice Period: 3 Months (Negotiable)
Timeline
Director – General & Administration
IgrenEnergi Services Pvt Ltd
01.2015 - Current
Manager – HR
TimesofMoney Ltd (Emirates NBD Group Company)
07.2007 - 12.2014
Senior Executive – HR & Administration
Future Focus Infotech Pvt Ltd
10.2006 - 06.2007
Senior Officer – HR & Administration
Hero Mindmine (Hero Group)
06.2004 - 10.2006
Customer Service Representative
Zenta Technologies Limited
06.2003 - 04.2004
Master in Management - MHRDM
Welingkar Institute of Management
Bachelor of Commerce -
Shri Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai University