Prajnananda Nayak
Bhubaneshwar
Summary
DRIVING HR STRATEGY, THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE EMPOWERMENT 24+ years of expertise in HR management for large companies and a high-growth start-up, including multi-state operations. Track record of building HR functions and teams from the ground up, leading an HR organisation for 3500+ employees, and bolstering retention, engagement, and performance. Strategic thinker and thought leader who influences and advises leaders as a business partner, fueling positive organisational development and a high-performance culture. Knowledgeable Sr. Director HR and Operations with proven background in senior leadership roles, driving strategic initiatives and fostering organizational growth. Successfully led cross-functional teams to achieve key business objectives, enhancing operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. Demonstrated expertise in project management and strategic planning.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Sr. Director HR and Operations (HRBP)
GFTN Services Pte Ltd
Singapore, India
04.2025 - 05.2025
- Served as a strategic HR Business Partner to senior leadership, aligning people strategy with GFTN’s global growth and India market priorities.
- Architected and executed talent strategy, including leadership hiring and capability building across fintech, policy advisory, and digital innovation domains.
- Directed end-to-end HR operations, ensuring excellence in performance management, compliance, governance, and employee lifecycle management.
- Established robust HR frameworks, policies, and controls in alignment with Indian regulatory requirements and global governance standards.
- Led organizational development initiatives to foster a high-performance, inclusive, and innovation-driven culture.
- Enabled seamless execution of global programs, forums, and advisory engagements through strong operational leadership in India.
- The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a Singapore headquartered organisation that leverages technology and innovation to create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems through global collaboration.
- Core Responsibilities
- Strategic Impact
- Partnered with cross-border stakeholders including regulators, financial institutions, academia, and global teams to drive alignment and execution.
- Optimized operational processes to enhance scalability, efficiency, and delivery across multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- Built and led high-performing HR & Operations teams, driving accountability, agility, and continuous improvement.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across multiple departments.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs for senior management staff.
- Oversaw budget allocation and resource management to optimize project outcomes.
- Fostered cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation and improve service delivery.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic planning and business development efforts.
- Directed performance evaluations and talent development strategies for high-potential employees.
- Established key performance indicators to measure success of organizational initiatives.
- Spearheaded process improvement projects resulting in streamlined operations and cost reduction.
- Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
- Cultivated a culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
- Directed design and execution of business transformation initiatives to drive performance, profit optimization and growth opportunities.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Created an agile working environment, enabling rapid response to changing business needs without sacrificing quality or performance standards.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives.
- Managed risk effectively by identifying potential threats, developing contingency plans, and implementing mitigation strategies in line with overall business objectives.
- Established data-driven decision-making processes and implemented best practices in analytics to optimize performance across the organization.
- Increased employee satisfaction, providing regular coaching and feedback sessions.
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency with process improvements and automation.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence within the organization.
- Led cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products, meeting deadlines and budgets.
- Facilitated seamless business transitions during mergers or acquisitions, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations while integrating teams effectively.
- Reduced employee turnover rates by creating a positive work environment with clear expectations and support systems in place.
- Performed continuous evaluations of business facility, teams and policies to keep operations efficient and consistent.
- Navigated complex regulatory environments to ensure compliance with local laws, standards, and regulations relevant to the business domain.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through effective resource allocation and budget management.
- Met with department supervisors and provided staff support to attain organizational goals.
Country Manager HR and Operations (HRBP)
Ridik Sdn Bhd - CLPS Malaysia, KL
KL, Malaysia
04.2024 - 05.2025
- Develop and implement HR policies in line with Malaysian employment laws.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and talent retention strategies.
- Manage employee relations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary procedures.
- Ensure compliance with payroll, benefits, and statutory requirements (EPF, SOCSO, EIS).
- Act as a strategic HR advisor to business leaders.
- Support workforce planning, succession planning, and performance management.
- Lead employee engagement and retention initiatives.
- Partner with management on organisational changes and talent strategies.
- Manage end-to-end recruitment and onboarding processes.
- Handle employee grievances, disciplinary actions, and workplace investigations.
- Support HR projects, including training and engagement programs.
- Support administrative tasks, including office supplies and vendor management.
- Oversee daily business operations and improve efficiency.
- Develop and implement operational policies and procedures.
- Manage budgets, resources, and vendor relationships.
- Ensure compliance with Malaysian business regulations and safety standards.
- Lead and train operational teams for continuous improvement.
- For almost 20 years, CLPS has expanded its service network to clients in the banking, wealth management, e-commerce, and automotive industries.
- Key Responsibilities
VP of People and Culture – Global
M Square Media (Canadian Entity)
07.2023 - 05.2024
- Reporting directly to the CEO, I lead initiatives to attract, retain, and develop talent, ensuring a positive work culture and compliance with local regulations.
- Responsibilities include overseeing global HR policies, fostering diversity and inclusion, and driving employee engagement.
- I collaborate with regional HR teams to implement best practices, manage performance, and support organisational growth.
- Additionally, I provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on people-related matters to drive business success and sustainability: training and development.
- As VP of People and Culture – Global, overseeing operations across 22 countries, I develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
- LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/msmmsquaremedia/mycompany/
- Developed and implemented innovative marketing strategies to drive audience engagement and retention.
- Analyzed market trends to inform content strategy and improve competitive positioning.
- Established key performance indicators to measure success of marketing initiatives and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Mentored and guided junior staff, fostering professional development and skill enhancement.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across multiple media channels.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline project workflows and optimize resource allocation.
- Directed budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and maximizing ROI on campaigns.
- Cultivated relationships with stakeholders, enhancing brand visibility and partnership opportunities in the media landscape.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
- Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing return on investments.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Leveraged technology to automate workflows and streamline processes, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings across the organization.
- Built high-performance teams through effective recruitment practices focused on competency alignment coupled with ongoing performance management processes.
- Championed talent development programs, promoting employee engagement and retention while enhancing overall workforce capabilities.
- Transformed customer experience by designing and executing comprehensive service improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing satisfaction levels.
- Delivered strong financial performance despite challenging economic conditions by executing prudent risk management strategies throughout all aspects of business operations.
- Implemented advanced data analytics tools to drive data-driven decision-making across all levels of the organization, leading to better business outcomes.
- Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized profitability while mitigating risks for the organization.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Enhanced company profitability by implementing strategic business plans and optimizing operational processes.
- Spearheaded organizational restructuring initiatives, streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs.
- Increased company growth through collaboration with sales and marketing departments.
- Ensured regulatory compliance at all times by implementing robust internal controls systems coupled with proactive monitoring mechanisms.
- Launched new products or services in various markets by conducting comprehensive market research studies and tailoring offerings based on customer needs analysis.
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
- Boosted team member productivity by enhancing performance monitoring and instituting motivational approaches.
- Reviewed and analyzed reports, records and directives to obtain data required for planning department activities.
- Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
Director of HR Operations
Nityo Infotech (Singapore) (Payroll CLPS Ridik Pte. Ltd)
07.2021 - 07.2023
- I oversaw three companies. (2 Edtech Start-ups and 1 Global IT Body Shopping (employee Strength 3500)
- Steered HR strategy, programs, and administration for four corporate divisions in Singapore, Hong Kong (HQ), Malaysia, the Philippines, India, and the Subcontinent, SEA, comprised of employees in 12 countries.
- Member of the executive leadership team, strategic business partner, and HR advisor to senior leaders.
- Manage risks and compliance, succession planning, talent management, change management, performance management, training and development, employee relations, and compensation and benefits.
- Define and update HR policies, procedures, and the handbook.
- SCALED 2 START-UPS’ HR DEPARTMENT TO ACCOMMODATE EXPONENTIAL COMPANY GROWTH
- As Director of HR Operations
- LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/nityo-infotech/mycompany/
Director HR & Operations India
InfoCorp Technologies Pte. Ltd. (Fintech) (Singapore)
Singapore
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Led initiatives for employee relations, recruitment, training, progressive discipline, terminations, and labour law compliance.
- Implemented performance improvement plans.
- Oversaw adherence to corporate policies and management practices.
- Partnered closely with HR business partners to turn around regional performance, driving the success of the banking branch.
- Www.linkedin.com/company/infocorp-technologies
Corporate Director HR
Convention Hotels (Swiss Hotel/Hyatt Place), Bangalore
Bangalore
07.2013 - 03.2014
- Radisson Blu (Pre-opening) Head – HR (Cluster Role) February 2010 – July 2013
- Sarovar Premier, Gurgaon (Pre-opening)
- Corporate Director HR
- HR Manager July 2009 – February 2010 Apropos Solution Pte. Ltd (Dubai)
- HR Manager November 2008- June 2009 Majestic Park Plaza, Ludhiana, HR Manager February 2007 – November 2008 RMX JOSS Assistant Manager HR & Personnel (Corporate) December 2000 – February 2007
Education
PGDLLPM - PG Diploma in Labour Laws Personnel Management
PGDLLPM
Odisha05.1997
Master of Arts - Political Science
Maters in Political Science
Odisha05.1995
Skills
- HR Strategies
- Talent Strategies
- Strategic Resource Planning
- Glo-cal Recruitment Strategies
- Learning & Development
- Change Management
- Talent Acquisition
- Onboarding Training, Coaching & Mentoring
- Leadership Development
- Compensation Planning
- Performance Management
- HRIS Compliance
- Succession Plans
- Employee Engagement
- Risk Management
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Employee Relations
- Statutory compliances, Salary & Wages, Compensation Planning & Administration
- Policy Formulation
- People Analytics
- People Matrix
- Policy development
- Team management
- Culture transformation
- Collaborative leadership
- Organizational development
- Data analytics
- Policy implementation
- Stakeholder relations
- Practice operations management
- Reporting expertise
- Administrative oversight
- Human resources management
- Pipeline development
- Core values management
- Prospecting skills
- Team building
- Innovation management
Certification
- Confluence Certified Recruiter
- Green Belt Six Sigma certificate
Section name
- "He is a great human being and very well-connected. In the industry. He had excellent leadership skills complemented by a team-building attitude."
- "Mr Prajnananda is a genius man; I had a chance to work with him for a very short period; no doubt he is very dedicated towards his job."
Timeline
Sr. Director HR and Operations (HRBP)
GFTN Services Pte Ltd
04.2025 - 05.2025
Country Manager HR and Operations (HRBP)
Ridik Sdn Bhd - CLPS Malaysia, KL
04.2024 - 05.2025
VP of People and Culture – Global
M Square Media (Canadian Entity)
07.2023 - 05.2024
Director of HR Operations
Nityo Infotech (Singapore) (Payroll CLPS Ridik Pte. Ltd)
07.2021 - 07.2023
Director HR & Operations India
InfoCorp Technologies Pte. Ltd. (Fintech) (Singapore)
08.2020 - 07.2021
Corporate Director HR
Convention Hotels (Swiss Hotel/Hyatt Place), Bangalore
07.2013 - 03.2014
PGDLLPM - PG Diploma in Labour Laws Personnel Management
PGDLLPM
Master of Arts - Political Science
Maters in Political Science