Divya Gunashekar

CEO

India13 yrs 7 mos experience
Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Over a decade of HR leadership experience across global markets.
  • Proven track record in scaling HR functions in hyper-growth environments.
  • Expertise in talent acquisition and employee engagement strategies.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a strategic HR leader with expertise in staffing and consulting across global markets.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Talent AcquisitionHr TransformationEmployer BrandingHr OperationsEmployee Engagement

Other Skills

Analytical SkillsAsanaAttendance ManagementBusiness CommunicationsChange ManagementCommunicationCompensation & BenefitsCompetency ManagementConflict ResolutionCrisis ManagementCulture InitiativesCustomer Relationship Management (CRM)Digital Marketing TrendsEmail EtiquetteEmployee Experience

About

"Great organizations aren't built by chance — they are built by people, empowered by vision, and elevated through purpose." I am a strategic and people-first HR leader with over a decade of experience driving human capital strategies across India, APAC, and global markets. I specialize in creating agile, inclusive, and scalable people frameworks that power business expansion, cultural transformation, and leadership enablement. Across my career, I’ve worked in hyper-growth environments—from fast-scaling startups to global staffing and consulting firms—where I’ve been entrusted with building HR from the ground up, expanding regional teams, and leading change across business cycles. 💡 What I bring to the table: Deep experience in Talent Acquisition, Employer Branding & HR Transformation Track record of enabling cross-border teams in India, Malaysia, Australia & Europe Strategic HR advisory to C-level stakeholders Strong lens on employee experience, inclusion, and leadership development Implementation of global people systems, PMS frameworks, and engagement strategies Expertise in staffing models (contract & direct hire), digital hiring, and capability scaling 🏆 Recent Highlights: Scaled HR across APAC for a global tech staffing firm, enabling compliant & consistent people ops Built leadership pipelines, redefined talent experience, and enhanced retention metrics Received multiple awards for leadership, impact, and cultural innovation 🎯 As a committed member of SHRM and NHRD, I stay current on global HR practices, policy shifts, and workforce trends to bring strategic thought leadership to every seat I hold. 🔗 Let’s connect if you're building a future-ready people function, leading global transformation, or want to exchange ideas on talent strategy and modern leadership.

Experience

13 yrs 7 mos
Total Experience
2 yrs 8 mos
Average Tenure
3 yrs 4 mos
Current Experience

Horizontal talent

Human Resources Director

Feb 2023Present · 3 yrs 4 mos · Greater Bengaluru Area · On-site

  • At Horizontal Talent, I lead the people charter for APAC markets—India, Malaysia, and Australia—for a global staffing and consulting firm with strong North American roots.
  • I was brought on board to architect and operationalize the HR function in Asia, scale our presence in key markets, and drive leadership-level talent programs across the region.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Designed & deployed people strategies across four countries with complete localization
  • Built end-to-end employee lifecycle processes from onboarding to performance and compliance
  • Led change management for expansion into new countries, including entity setups and policy rollout
  • Partnered with Sales & Delivery to align workforce planning with business targets
  • Co-created leadership development frameworks for future-ready managers
  • Enhanced regional employer brand positioning through engagement campaigns
  • As the strategic HR partner to the APAC leadership, I focus on aligning people strategy with business goals, while ensuring consistency in culture, compliance, and performance metrics across regions.
Talent AcquisitionEmployer BrandingHR TransformationChange ManagementLeadership Development

The scalers

3 roles

Director-HR & Talent Acquisition

Promoted

May 2021Dec 2022 · 1 yr 7 mos

  • As the HR & TA Director, I led people operations and hiring across India and Europe for a rapidly scaling offshore software development company with operations in Dublin, Krakow, and Bucharest.
  • I worked closely with global stakeholders to build capability hubs, implement best-in-class hiring practices, and establish an employer brand that resonated with top tech talent.
  • 🌟 Highlights:
  • Built a scalable TA engine that reduced time-to-hire by 40% and grew headcount by 3x
  • Rolled out a refreshed EVP and internal brand identity to support hiring scale
  • Implemented global PMS and structured L&D initiatives aligned with leadership goals
  • Coached people managers on employee engagement, feedback, and retention strategies
  • Played a key role in cross-cultural alignment between India and Europe-based teams
  • This role combined tactical execution with strategic planning, requiring agility, innovation, and influence to align talent practices with global growth mandates.
Talent AcquisitionEmployer BrandingHiring PracticesEmployee Engagement

Human Resources Manager

Jun 2020May 2021 · 11 mos

  • In this role, I took charge of consolidating and maturing the HR function during a high-growth phase. My mandate was to elevate the employee experience, bring structure to HR operations, and support global alignment with leadership teams in Europe.
  • 🌱 Key Initiatives:
  • Standardized HR policies, compensation bands, and job grading across functions
  • Established structured onboarding, grievance redressal, and feedback channels
  • Implemented a tech-enabled performance management system with real-time coaching
  • Acted as the bridge between leadership and employees to ensure transparent communication
  • Introduced wellness and DEI programs, enhancing inclusivity and employee satisfaction
  • Built HR dashboards and reporting systems for better data-driven decisions
  • This was a foundational role where I ensured people processes could support scale, without losing the start-up agility or core culture.
HR PoliciesPerformance ManagementEmployee ExperienceHR Operations

Chief Happiness Officer

Nov 2019Jun 2020 · 7 mos

  • In this unique and people-centric role, I was responsible for shaping the employee experience, culture, and well-being at The Scalers. My focus was on building a workplace that was not just productive—but joyful, engaging, and human.
  • 🌟 Impact Highlights:
  • Conceptualized and drove company-wide happiness and bonding initiatives
  • Created programs for employee recognition, team-building, and cross-functional collaboration
  • Partnered with managers to resolve conflicts proactively and empathetically
  • Introduced weekly culture check-ins, virtual events, and morale boosters during early remote transitions
  • Conducted pulse surveys and used feedback to continually refine the workplace experience
  • The role enabled me to influence the emotional and cultural tone of the company—laying the foundation for the more structured HR evolution that followed.
Employee ExperienceCulture InitiativesConflict ResolutionEmployee Engagement

Careerxperts consulting - startup hiring - talent research

HR Manager

Jul 2019Nov 2019 · 4 mos · Bengaluru Area, India · On-site

  • At CareerXperts, a niche executive search and recruitment firm for startups and product companies, I managed HR operations and internal talent management.
  • 🚀 Key Contributions:
  • Created an internal HR playbook and SOPs for a lean but high-output team
  • Partnered with business leaders to align talent planning with client delivery pipelines
  • Managed hiring, payroll, onboarding, and performance evaluation for in-house recruiters
  • Conducted L&D sessions and daily standups to boost team motivation and accountability
  • Though brief, this role gave me deep insights into startup talent models and helped sharpen my agility in managing lean HR systems that punch above their weight.
HR OperationsTalent ManagementPerformance Evaluation

Marketone international

HR Manager

Jul 2015Jun 2019 · 3 yrs 11 mos · Bengaluru Area, India

  • At MarketOne, I played a key role in building the India HR function from scratch. As the sole HR partner for the India office, I had end-to-end accountability across recruitment, people operations, compliance, and engagement.
  • 🏆 Key Highlights:
  • Set up the complete HR lifecycle framework for the India team during a global expansion
  • Led hiring across marketing ops, inside sales, and tech functions—scaling from 20 to 120+
  • Rolled out structured policies, induction programs, and performance review cycles
  • Partnered with US & UK HR teams to ensure alignment in global practices and compliance
  • Introduced recognition programs and monthly engagement activities to improve retention
  • Played a key role in change management during org transitions and leadership shifts
  • This experience strengthened my ability to build from the ground up, manage scale, and work across time zones and cultural contexts.
HR Lifecycle FrameworkRecruitmentEmployee EngagementHR Operations

Langoor

2 roles

HR Manager

Promoted

Apr 2014Jul 2015 · 1 yr 3 mos

  • Langoor was where my HR journey began—and where I evolved from a people operations executive into a confident HR business partner.
  • As First Impression & Office Guru, I championed everything related to culture, communication, and the employee experience. As I grew into the HR Manager role, I took ownership of all HR processes during a critical scale-up period.
  • 💼 Key Highlights:
  • Revamped onboarding and induction for a fast-growing digital agency
  • Rolled out first-generation HR tools, HRMS, and feedback systems
  • Designed and launched internal L&D initiatives focused on creative skills
  • Acted as a go-to confidante for employees while also managing senior stakeholder expectations
  • Drove culture alignment during international expansion, including cross-office events with the Sydney team
  • Langoor gave me my foundational understanding of HR as a function that blends heart and structure—and I carry that balance with me to every organization I serve.
OnboardingHR ToolsEmployee ExperienceHR Operations

First Impression & Office Guru

Aug 2012Apr 2014 · 1 yr 8 mos

Education

XLRI Jamshedpur

Executive development program — Human Resources Management

Jan 2019Jan 2020

ACCA

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (Shadwell's International Business School ) — Accounting and Finance

Jan 2012Jan 2015

Sikkim Manipal University - Distance Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Jan 2012Jan 2014

Bangalore University

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.)

Jan 2008Jan 2012

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