Ajin Pisharody

About Ajin Pisharody

For over 17 years, I have partnered with executive teams at industry leaders like Reliance Retail, Cipla and Knight Frank to architect and execute large-scale talent, learning, and capability ecosystems. My mission is to build future-ready workforces that drive business transformation, and I have a track record of doing so for organizations with over employees.My core philosophy is rooted in user-centric systems thinking, a belief that the most complex business challenges can be solved by transforming constraints into intuitive, democratized solutions. At Reliance Retail, this approach was the driving force behind architecting the ‘Academies of Future Skills’ from the ground up, reimagining the enterprise LMS to function like a modern LXP, and deploying an Internal Talent Marketplace to unlock workforce agility.I thrive on building \'from-zero-to-one\' initiatives that create lasting cultural change. This includes pioneering a democratized Coaching-on-Demand platform, embedding simulation-based learning into flagship leadership programs, and driving multi-crore efficiencies by operationalizing AI within content creation. At Cipla, I led a digital transformation of the learning ecosystem that resulted in a 300% increase in active users, laying the groundwork for a more agile, tech-enabled salesforce.Recognized as one of ETHR World\'s Top 40 Under 40 HR Leaders, I am passionate about the intersection of human potential, generative AI, and business strategy. I believe the most effective learning solutions are those that create agency, curiosity, and measurable business impact.Always open to connecting with fellow leaders and innovators who are shaping the future of work.Areas of Expertise: Talent Strategy & Governance Digital HR Transformation & AI/GenAI Adoption Enterprise Learning Platforms (LMS/LXP) People Analytics & Return on Learning (ROL) Design & Launch of Capability Academies Internal Talent Marketplaces & Workforce Agility Competency & Career Framework Design Leadership Development & Executive Coaching Simulation-Based & Immersive Learning Change Management & Stakeholder Influence Cost Optimization & L&D Operations Building & Scaling Coaching-Led Cultures

Experience

1. Asst Vice President - Learning & Development

   Reliance Retail

   Apr 2024 — Present · Navi Mumbai, IN

   Promoted to AVP after being recruited to reimagine L&D for India\'s largest retailer. My mandate expanded to full ownership of enterprise learning tech, analytics, and content ops. for employees.My responsibilities are structured across three core pillars:1. Head – Learning Technology & Operations• Architected the enterprise learning stack; led the LMS-to-LXP transformation with AI-recommendations, driving significant learner engagement.• Built & scaled multiple \'from-zero-to-one\' platforms: Talent Marketplace, Competency Management System, Virtual Assessment Center, Coaching-on-Demand and Knowledge Management System. Spearhead development of a pipeline of future learning enablement projects.• Own the enterprise Learning Analytics function, providing strategic insights, dashboards, and management reports to guide talent decisions & measure ROL.2. Head – Academies of Future Skills• Conceptualized, built, and scaled the enterprise \'Academies of Future Skills\'(Data, Digital, Design) from concept to a flagship institution.• Drive a focused agenda on building critical capabilities (Tech, Data, Analytics, AI, emerging skills) to future-proof the knowledge workers.• Scaled academies to certify participants across all levels, enhancing the company\'s digital and data maturity.3. Head – Digital Media Factory• Lead the central content hub; manage content strategy, tools, and production to create engaging, high-impact learning solutions.• Drove ₹0.8cr+ cost savings (9 months) by internalizing production, deploying 14+ GenAI authoring tools, & optimizing vendor reliance.• Pioneered immersive learning by embedding simulation-based methodologies into 12 flagship leadership programs.• Manage all internal/external branding, communication, and impact-storytelling for L&D initiatives to drive visibility and adoption.• Oversee Retail Dronacharya, the org\'s largest social learning platform, fostering a vibrant peer-to-peer learning culture.

Education

• XLRI - VIL Programs

  PGCHRM, Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General

  2020 — 2021

• INDIAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

  MBA, Human Resources

  2008 — 2010

• Oriental School of Hotel Management

  DHM, Management

  2003 — 2006

Skills

• Psychometrics
• Human Resources
• Recruiting
• Job Descriptions
• Organizational Development
• Employment Law
• Talent Management
• Hospitality Management
• Hotels
• Management
• Mis
• Employee Engagement
• Training