Pooja Rao — Head of Talent
A strategic Talent Acquisition leader with 20+ years of experience across India and Asia Pacific, I specialize in building high performing, inclusive teams and designing TA strategies that drive measurable business impact. Having led diverse mandates at Abbott across six roles, I thrive on turning complex challenges into scalable talent solutions that fuel growth and innovation. I am deeply passionate about developing people and creating opportunities that change careers and lives. My leadership style is grounded in empathy, agility and a relentless focus on impact. Beyond work, I find balance in time with family and behind the lens as a wildlife photographer, where patience and perspective often mirror great leadership.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Talent Acquisition expert in the Healthcare industry with a focus on diversity and strategic initiatives.
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Experience: 21 yrs 1 mo
Skills
- Talent Acquisition
- Team Management
- Diversity Hiring
- Executive Search
Career Highlights
- 20+ years of talent acquisition leadership experience
- Expert in building inclusive, high-performing teams
- Proven track record in driving diversity hiring strategies
Work Experience
Abbott
Talent Acquisition Director, India region (3 yrs 4 mos)
APAC Head TA Strategic Initiatives (2 yrs 9 mos)
Associate Director Talent Acquisition (1 yr 7 mos)
Head Talent Acquisition (1 yr 11 mos)
Senior Manager Talent Acquisition - University Relations,Employer Branding & Social Media (1 yr 6 mos)
Manager Talent Acquisition (2 yrs 6 mos)
Executive Search Firm
Principal Consultant (7 yrs 5 mos)
Education
Post Graduation at Welingkar Institute of Management
Masters in Commerce at Mumbai University Mumbai
