Kasturi Cotha

As a transformational entrepreneur and visionary in HR and business consultation, Kasturi Cotha has an impressive experience of nearly two-decades in global setups and global initiatives across human resource functions, business, and strategy. She has a consistent record of initiating and setting operations in several startups and existing organizations. With a knack for compliance and statutory related issues, employment branding, and L & D initiatives, she has ensured the successful completion of projects.

A distinguished alumna of the Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru, Kasturi began her career with MDC Infoway Limited, where she nurtured her management skills and obtained practical experience in conducting performance appraisals, handling payroll, and managing recruitment and hiring processes. Later, in Carbon Accessories, she developed a Career Progression model to reduce attrition and created an effective training program—Carbon Retail Professional (CAREPRO) to complement the model. As HR Generalist with Everest Software, she gained complete knowledge of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and successfully integrated HRIS programs in the USA and India.

In her current role, Kasturi is the Head of HR, Bengaluru, and HRBP for Product and Technology, globally at Taylor and Francis Group where she has built her identity as a mentor and developer of talent acquisition/talent management programs to support continuous improvement in productivity, performance, and culture.

Recognizing her talents and outstanding interpersonal skills, her employers entrusted her with key responsibilities such as assisting in merger and acquisition operations, developing mentor and buddy programs for new recruits, and liaising with educational institutions and social media marketing professionals to enhance recruitment and talent acquisition processes.

From being a passionate biker, she is also a Board of Trustee in SHE for Society - www.sheforsociety.com, an NGO formed by women bikers. SHE for Society is a Women Empowerment initiative, actively involved in creating awareness about duty and responsibility to family, friends, and fellow citizens of the Indian Armed forces, veterans, and their contribution towards the country. She is deeply passionate about regular biking sessions and rides to empower women and for social causes.

Notable Achievements -

1. Independent Entrepreneur, Women Leader of the Year awarded by UBS Transformance, 2018
2. Most Innovative 50 HR Tech Leaders awarded by World HRD Congress, 2017
3. Most Influential 50 HR Tech Leaders awarded by Asia Pacific HRD Congress, 2015
4. Nominated for “STAR” program in Temenos Group
5. Awarded “Staff Recognition” Award for setting up new office premises for Temenos, Bangalore with zero downtime for Production and Development.
6. Awarded 'GEM' award for successfully establishing T24 Training and Test Centre in Bangalore with a 72% success ratio for Certification achieved in the first implementation.
7. Presented with a 'personalized appreciation' card by the CEO of Financial Objects for successfully implementing a Competency-based Performance Management System.