Every successful organization has a few individuals who serve as the backbone of its growth and transformation—leaders who balance strategy with empathy, align business goals with people and inspire others to achieve more. One such leader is Prateek Dubey, a dynamic Global CHRO at Mankind Pharma, who, over the last two decades, has evolved into a driving force in human resources.
His journey from managing HR at regional and sectoral levels to shaping global HR strategies reflects both resilience and an ability to embrace change. With expertise honed across industries—spanning renewable energy, chemicals, beverages, and banking—Prateek has developed a reputation for crafting policies that foster productivity, promote employee engagement, and future-proof organizations. Today, he stands as a key architect of Mankind Pharma’s talent management framework, steering the company towards sustainable growth on the global stage.
This evolution hasn’t been easy. From overcoming labour challenges to navigating workforce restructuring and succession planning, Prateek has tackled complex challenges at every step. His leadership reflects a unique blend of strategic thinking and people-centric approaches, enabling him to drive change not just within organizations but also within the individuals he leads.
 The Early Days: Learning the Craft Across IndustriesÂ
Prateek’s professional journey began at Aditya Birla Indorama and in  Suzlon Energy Ltd, where he served as Head of HR (Nacel) for over three + years. During this time, he immersed himself in the complexities of the renewable energy sector, honing his ability to manage large, diverse teams and implement HR practices from the ground up. These early experiences gave him an in-depth understanding of organizational behaviour, change management, and the nuances of talent acquisition.
His tenure was marked by key interventions in employee engagement and process optimization, which reinforced his reputation as a leader who could implement quick, effective change even in challenging environments. This phase was crucial for Prateek, teaching him how to adapt his leadership approach across different industries.
Scaling New Heights: Mastering Complex HR ChallengesÂ
Prateek’s next significant role came at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, where he served as Zonal Head for more than six years. This phase tested his mettle as he took charge of managing HR operations across multiple regions, ensuring smooth workforce management, and balancing labour relations. At Coca-Cola, he became known for his ability to build strong relationships with employees and unions, which helped him overcome critical operational challenges.
Following this, Prateek’s journey took a leap when he joined IDFC First Bank in 2016 as a Director HR. For nearly eight years, he led as Head of ER & HR and Contingent Workforce, spearheading various HR verticals, including employee relations and contingent workforce management. Here, he gained a reputation as a thought leader, developing scalable HR strategies that were critical to the bank’s growth. He introduced initiatives focused on employee wellness, productivity optimization, and compliance, all while navigating the complexities of the financial sector.
His tenure at IDFC First Bank exemplified his ability to handle large-scale HR operations and lead through uncertain times. He played a pivotal role in workforce restructuring, succession planning, and developing employee experience programs, which enhanced the organization’s talent pipeline and performance culture.
The Pinnacle: Global CHRO at Mankind Pharma LtdÂ
In October 2023, Prateek reached the pinnacle of his career by becoming the Global CHRO of Mankind Pharma Ltd, one of India’s largest and fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies. In this capacity, he is responsible for driving the company’s global HR strategy, overseeing talent acquisition, workforce management, and employee engagement across regions. His leadership emphasizes aligning HR with business outcomes, ensuring that Mankind Pharma maintains a competitive edge while nurturing a positive, high-performance work environment.
At Mankind, Prateek has already begun implementing transformative policies that aim to optimize workforce productivity, foster innovation, and ensure seamless succession planning. He is passionate about creating a culture that blends performance with well-being, helping employees grow both professionally and personally. His role as Global CHRO also requires him to lead initiatives around diversity, inclusion, and future-ready workforce planning, ensuring that the company remains agile and competitive in a dynamic market.
Achievements and MilestonesÂ
Throughout his career, Prateek has accumulated numerous achievements that reflect his strategic brilliance and people-centric leadership:
- Strategic Workforce Optimization: Implemented major restructuring initiatives at IDFC First Bank, resulting in enhanced productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Change Management at Coca-Cola: Successfully navigated labour relations challenges across multiple regions, ensuring smooth operations and employee satisfaction.
- Succession Planning: Developed comprehensive succession frameworks at IDFC First Bank and Mankind Pharma to future-proof leadership pipelines.
- Employee Experience Programs: Launched wellness initiatives that significantly improved employee engagement and retention across his tenure.
Prateek’s educational background, apart from being MBA HR also includes an LLM and leadership training from ISB Hyderabad, has also equipped him with a nuanced understanding of law, compliance, and strategic management, making him a well-rounded HR leader.
Challenges Faced and Lessons LearnedÂ
No journey is without its challenges, and Prateek’s path has been no exception. From dealing with complex labour relations at Coca-Cola to navigating workforce integration challenges at IDFC First Bank, he has had to make tough decisions under pressure. However, his ability to remain calm, think strategically, and align people with business outcomes helped him overcome these obstacles.
His transition into the pharmaceutical sector as Global CHRO has also posed unique challenges, requiring him to quickly understand new regulatory frameworks and align the HR function with Mankind Pharma’s global expansion strategy. Yet, these challenges have only sharpened his leadership acumen, reinforcing his belief that adaptability and empathy are the cornerstones of effective leadership.
Advice for Aspiring LeadersÂ
Prateek’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring HR leaders and professionals:
- Embrace Change: Industries are constantly evolving, and leaders need to be agile in adapting to new trends and challenges.
- Focus on People: A company’s success lies in its people. Investing in employee experience and development pays long-term dividends.
- Continuous Learning: In today’s dynamic world, staying relevant requires continuous learning. Prateek’s decision to pursue an LLM and attend ISB’s leadership program reflects his commitment to personal growth.
- Strategic Thinking: HR is no longer just about policies—it’s about aligning people strategies with business goals to drive growth.
- Empathy and Resilience: Leaders must cultivate empathy, especially during tough times, while staying resilient in the face of challenges.