S

Saurabh Kale

CEO

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India19 yrs 4 mos experience
Highly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Proven track record in scaling HR functions globally.
  • Expert in aligning people strategy with business objectives.
  • Recognized as a culture architect and execution enabler.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a strategic HR leader specializing in SaaS and high-growth environments.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

People StrategyTalent ManagementPerformance ManagementProduct StrategyTalent AcquisitionLeadership DevelopmentEmployee ExperienceLearning And Development

Other Skills

Talent Lifecycle ManagementCompensation & BenefitsHR OperationsEmployer BrandingStartup OperationsCross-functional CollaborationContent CustomizationData-Driven GrowthImpact-Focused LeadershipCulture TransformationDiversity and InclusionInternal CommunicationsPerformance ConsultingInstructional DesignTraining Needs Analysis

About

An HR leader with 18 years of experience driving People, Performance, and Culture transformations across growth-stage and enterprise environments. I have worked with some of the world’s best-known companies across the US, the Middle East, India, and the Asia Pacific. My journey has been about building HR functions, scaling people initiatives, and creating workplaces where people, product, and performance grow together. I help founders and business leaders translate their vision into scalable people systems that accelerate growth. I have a reputation as an outcome-focused enabler who challenges and reframes thinking. Over the years, I have partnered with product and engineering teams to decode culture, design performance management systems, and deliver people initiatives that drive measurable impact. I take pride in building trust across CXOs, founders, and teams, enabling conversations that balance empathy with execution. Core focus areas: - People Strategy & Organizational Design - Performance Management & Talent Development - Stakeholder Management & Leadership Coaching - Culture Design for Product-Engineering Teams - People Analytics & Execution Excellence I am particularly drawn to B2B/B2C SaaS product companies which provide fast-moving, high-growth environments where people strategy and business strategy are inseparable. I believe the modern CHRO’s role is to be a culture architect, business ally, and execution enabler rolled into one. My leadership philosophy is simple: culture is a system, not a slogan. The best HR strategies are those that simplify complexity, inspire ownership, and help people do their best work every day. Let’s connect if you’re building a product company that’s ready to build an equally powerful people function. Contact me through this profile or reach out to me at saurabh.kale83@gmail.com

Experience

19 yrs 4 mos
Total Experience
2 yrs 4 mos
Average Tenure
1 yr 4 mos
Current Experience

Various startups

Fractional CHRO

Jan 2025Present · 1 yr 4 mos · Bangalore | Pune · Hybrid

Ansr

Head of People & Culture

Jan 2021Jan 2025 · 4 yrs · Bangalore | USA | UAE | International

  • TALENT500 is a product-engineering arm of the ANSR Group. Accel and Accenture invested in TALENT500 with the vision to build the OS for Global Capability Centres (GCC). The opportunity to build People Strategy and Practices from scratch appealed the most. As part of my role at ANSR and TALENT500, I worked closely with the CEO and other CXOs. The People team aimed to create the best global team in the world through its People Strategy, Practices, and Initiatives under my leadership. The last 4 years have been an honour to lead a team of skilled, committed, and energetic HR professionals. We achieved 'Great Place to Work' in our first year of operation! Track record of aligning HR strategies with business goals, fostering high performance, and fostering an engaged work culture.
  • # People Strategy: Design and execute holistic people strategies aligned with business objectives, fostering organisational growth and employee development.
  • # Talent Lifecycle Management: Oversee end-to-end talent processes, from innovative onboarding programs to thoughtful offboarding experiences, ensuring a positive employee journey.
  • # Performance Management: Implement robust performance systems that drive accountability, recognize excellence, and support continuous improvement.
  • # Compensation & Benefits: Develop competitive payroll and benefits structures that attract and retain top talent while managing costs effectively.
  • # HR Operations: Streamline HR processes and leverage technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of people operations.
  • # Talent Management: Create and execute strategies for talent acquisition, development, and retention, building a high-performing workforce.
  • # Employee Experience: Craft initiatives that enhance engagement, promote well-being, and cultivate a positive workplace culture.
  • # Employer Branding: Develop and maintain a strong employer brand that attracts top talent and positions the organisation as an employer of choice.
People StrategyTalent Lifecycle ManagementPerformance ManagementCompensation & BenefitsHR OperationsTalent Management+2

Peakperformer

Founding Member

Jan 2020Jan 2022 · 2 yrs · Bangalore

  • “If you hang around the barber shop for too long, you are likely to get a haircut”. The startup bug caught up with me too. I had the opportunity to join an early-stage startup that was building an on-demand coaching platform for both B2B and B2C customers. We wanted to democratize coaching practice using SaaS and make it accessible to all. Built the platform with two entrepreneurs to raise USD 3 million from Sequoia and USD 175K from Antler. It was a great validation for the product-service we were building. With CRED, MPL, Bizongo, Wingyfy and other startups, we supported their Leadership Development efforts. This experience taught me how to manage the complexities of startup environments, product development, and strategic growth initiatives.
  • # Startup Operations: Managed comprehensive startup responsibilities, demonstrating adaptability and multi-faceted expertise in early-stage business environments.
  • # Product Strategy: Conducted in-depth user research to identify and prioritize product rollout initiatives, ensuring market fit and user satisfaction.
  • # Talent Acquisition: Led coach screening and onboarding processes, curating a high-quality talent pool for platform success.
  • # Cross-functional Collaboration: Partnered with Growth team to seamlessly integrate product offerings with Talent Management Initiatives, driving synergies and enhancing overall value proposition.
  • # Content Customization: Tailored curriculum to meet specific client needs, showcasing ability to create bespoke solutions in the B2B space.
  • # Data-Driven Growth: Leveraged key data points to identify upselling opportunities, contributing to revenue growth and client expansion.
  • # Impact-Focused Leadership: Consistently aligned efforts with organizational goals, demonstrating measurable impact and driving business success.
Startup OperationsProduct StrategyTalent AcquisitionCross-functional CollaborationContent CustomizationData-Driven Growth+1

Zeta

Talent Management

Jan 2019Jan 2020 · 1 yr · Bangalore | Mumbai | Boston | UAE

  • In just a year, the startup ecosystem in India had changed dramatically. Fintechs were the place to be. With UPI, India had revolutionized its financial system. As Zeta shifted from its Tax Benefits business into Digital Banking, I had the opportunity to drive and manage change. Developed a strong internal communication strategy with the Founders. I focused on Leadership Development, Employee Experience, Performance Management, and Culture Transformation. Meticulously measured efforts and learned how to quantify them. Though I worked at Zeta and Flock (a Directi subsidiary) for a short time, I contributed significantly to those companies.
  • # Elevated performance management practices, enhancing quality of reviews and promoting continuous developmental feedback.
  • # Launched 'Monday Muse,' facilitating organization-wide communication led by Co-founders.
  • Developed bespoke learning solutions to boost Fintech knowledge across Product and Engineering teams.
  • # Streamlined L&D operations by reorganizing team structure, introducing learning partners, and implementing new budgets and policies, resulting in faster resolution of business challenges.
  • Designed comprehensive Leadership Journeys for first-time managers, utilizing blended learning approaches.
  • # Implemented microlearning modules and webinars to support remote work effectiveness and virtual leadership skills.
  • # Enhanced HR team effectiveness through EX Action Learning Certification program in partnership with PeopleMatters.
Performance ManagementLeadership DevelopmentEmployee ExperienceCulture Transformation

Grab

People & Organization Development

Jan 2018Jan 2019 · 1 yr · Singapore | APAC

  • Having the opportunity to execute People Initiatives at 100x in Southeast Asia is one of the most exciting aspects of working at Grab. This was my first time living in Singapore and working there. Developed hands-on experience in technology and people strategy. Experienced the challenges of mergers and acquisitions. Used that experience to focus on Employee Experience, Performance Management and Culture transformation. Observed that what works in Singapore may not work in other Southeast Asian countries. Scaled Grab 100x in an ever-changing, highly complex, volatile, and multinational environment.
  • # Implemented Agile HR Change Management programs in partnership with Bain Consulting.
  • # Facilitated Performance Review Workshops for people managers to boost organizational performance.
  • # Coordinated Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, including workshops on unconscious bias.
  • # Redesigned onboarding process across 10 countries, increasing employee retention by 25%.
  • # Worked with functional heads to develop a digital learning strategy. Optimized accessibility of relevant L&D offerings.
  • # Achieved NPS scores of 9+ for 100+ leaders through the 'Emerging Leaders @ Grab' program.
  • # Enhanced culture scores through the use of tools (Culture Amp) and strategic interventions.
Employee ExperiencePerformance ManagementCulture TransformationDiversity and Inclusion

Practo

Talent Management

Jan 2015Jan 2018 · 3 yrs · India | Brazil | Singapore | Indonesia | Philippines

  • The most exciting phase of my career has been joining startups. Developed hands-on experience in all aspects of Human Resources and Technology, including Product, Engineering, Design, Marketing, and Customer Success. Developed and implemented a successful People Strategy, Performance Management System, Internal Communications and Employer Branding. Worked in a complex, matrixed, diverse, and multinational environment to scale Practo 10x. Dedicated to achieving results based on outcomes. I eventually became known for my ability to execute.
  • # Collaborated closely with Functional Heads to design and execute impactful people strategies including performance management
  • # Developed critical HR assessment tools like HR Skill Matrix, Practo Leadership Qualities for People Managers, Performance Feedback system, and Monthly Manager Check-ins.
  • # Enhanced employee experience through comprehensive onboarding programs and coaching for people managers.
  • # Designed value-based rewards and recognition program (#DoGreat Awards).
  • # Implemented internal peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing initiatives (re.boot, Leader K'Net, #DoGreat Chai)
  • # Conceptualized and launched specialized academies: HR Academy, Jedi School (technical training for campus hires), Practo Way of Leadership, and Practo Academy of Customer Excellence (P.A.C.E).
People StrategyPerformance ManagementEmployer BrandingInternal Communications

Mcafee

Learning and Development

Jan 2013Jan 2015 · 2 yrs · India | US | Ireland | Singapore

  • Gained global experience in how to align L&D strategies with People Strategies, drive performance and foster a culture of continuous learning in complex, diverse, and multinational environments.
  • # Served as a performance consultant for R&D and IT Business Units across North America, Ireland, India, and Singapore, demonstrating global reach and impact.
  • # Elevated L&D function to strategic importance, gaining senior leadership buy-in for global R&D and IT initiatives.
  • # Implemented a data-driven approach to identify training needs through performance indicators, surveys, and leadership engagement.
  • # Leveraged instructional design expertise to create impactful online programs for diverse, global audiences.
  • # Spearheaded the "Global Technical Manager Essentials" program, addressing critical leadership development needs across the organization.
  • # Drove significant increase in learning platform adoption, exceeding goals by 5-10% for McAfee University, Harvard Manage Mentor, Safari books, Lynda, and MOOCs.
  • # Developed and deployed customized learning solutions for India Center, effectively disseminating key information across global teams.
Learning and DevelopmentPerformance ConsultingInstructional Design

Wipro technologies

Learning Specialist

Jan 2010Jan 2013 · 3 yrs · India | Brazil | Argentina | UAE

  • Demonstrated my ability to align L&D strategies with business objectives through Consulting, created innovative learning solutions, that led to cost optimization and fostered a learning culture in a highly complex, matrixed global organization across LATAM (Brazil and Argentina) and Middle-east (UAE, Saudi Arabia).
  • # Served as Learning Specialist for Manufacturing & Hi-Tech BU, supporting 12,000+ employees with tailored learning plans and Training Need Analysis (TNA)
  • # Facilitated high-impact workshops for middle managers across India and Latin America, leveraging methodologies from Ken Blanchard, Dale Carnegie, and Eagle's Flight (Canada)
  • # Cultivated a network of 100+ internal SMEs through the successful 'Wipro Learning Champion’ initiative, fostering a culture of continuous learning
  • # Utilized simulations and experiential learning to create engaging, needs-based training content, driving leadership development and business goal achievement
  • # Employed consultative approach in cross-functional collaborations to develop performance enhancement solutions throughout project lifecycles
  • # Designed comprehensive pre-post learning interventions and provided mentorship to intact teams post-workshop
Learning and DevelopmentTraining Needs AnalysisPerformance Management

Syntel

Learning Lead

Jan 2007Jan 2010 · 3 yrs · Pune | Mumbai | Chennai

  • Aligned L&D strategies with business objectives, optimized training operations, and fostered a culture of continuous learning. Adept at leveraging both in-house capabilities and external partnerships to deliver high-impact training solutions.
  • # Led L&D function for 6000+ employees, demonstrating ability to scale programs effectively.
  • # Orchestrated end-to-end training lifecycle: needs analysis, program design, delivery, and evaluation.
  • # Launched impactful programs spanning induction, campus-to-corporate transition, soft skills, and leadership development.
  • # Drove data-driven decision-making through comprehensive training analytics and reporting.
  • # Optimized resource allocation, managing vendor relationships and training infrastructure.
  • # Cultivated talent pipeline by implementing a six-month mentoring program for new L&D team members.
  • # Spearheaded leadership development initiatives focusing on communication and team synergy.
Learning and DevelopmentTraining OperationsPerformance Management

Cubs adventure - india

Lead Instructor

Jan 2002Jan 2006 · 4 yrs · India

  • Demonstrated my ability to conceptualize, implement, and lead innovative people development initiatives that drove tangible business results. In my work with client organizations, I combined strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
  • I demonstrated my ability to drive impactful organizational development initiatives at Cubs Adventure:
  • # Cultivated and maintained a high-value client relationship while simultaneously developing a new cadre of instructors, showcasing my skills in stakeholder management and talent development.
  • # Crafted bespoke, adventure-based learning programs tailored to client-specific developmental needs, leveraging my expertise in experiential learning and organizational psychology.
  • # Architected and executed team-building exercises and group activities focused on fostering professional relationships and enhancing team synergy, directly contributing to improved organizational performance.
  • # Consistently delivered exceptional customer experiences, resulting in high client retention rates and expanded business opportunities.

Education

Cornell University

Strategic Human Resources Leadership

Jan 2024Present

Savitribai Phule Pune University

Masters in Personnel Management (M.P.M) — Human Resources

Jan 2007Present

SYMBIOSIS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Bachelor's degree — Computer Science

Jan 2005Present

Deccan Education Society

Diploma in Geopolitics & International Relations

Jan 2005Present

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