About
In an era of rapid technological change, evolving work models, and a heightened focus on talent, Human Resources (HR) leaders are not just managing people – they are strategically shaping organisational culture, driving business performance and building the future workforce.
BW People HR 50 Under 50 Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the dynamic, impactful, and promising HR leaders who are under the age of 50. These prestigious awards shine a spotlight on the 50 exceptional HR professionals who are driving transformative change, pioneering innovative strategies, and demonstrating exemplary leadership at their workplaces. These awards serve as a definitive benchmark for the next generation in HR excellence, acknowledging the agility, foresight, and dedication required to excel in modern human capital management.
Significance
The significance of the BW People HR 50 Under 50 Awards extends across the individual recipients, their organisations and the broader HR industry.
Validating next-gen leadership
These awards will provide a crucial platform for recognising the rising stars of the HR world. By focusing on leaders under 50, the awards validate that these individuals are already operating at a C-suite and senior strategic level, influencing decisions that impact thousands of employees and the business’s bottom line.
Encouraging innovation and disruption
The selection criteria prioritise strategic thinking, innovation in HR technology (HR Tech) and successful implementation of disruptive practices in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), employee experience, hiring and retention, employer branding, digital transformation, internal communications, employee engagement and AI in HR. The awards thus highlight and encourage the adoption of best-in-class, forward-looking strategies.
Benchmarking for the industry
The list serves as an industry benchmark, showcasing the types of contributions, skill sets, and impact that define HR leadership excellence in the 21st century. It provides concrete examples for aspiring professionals on what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Why to nominate
The importance of this recognition resonates on several critical levels.
Enhanced credibility and visibility
Inclusion in the BW People HR 50 Under 50 winner list instantly elevates the HR leader’s standing, offering a powerful, peer-reviewed endorsement of their capabilities and impact. This recognition serves as a catalyst for career advancement to even more strategic roles.
Motivation and inspiration
Public felicitation for exceptional work boosts morale, validates years of effort and inspires the HR leaders to continue pushing the boundaries of the HR profession.
Showcasing best practices
Winner leader’s organisation gain exposure for their own innovative HR programs and progressive workplace cultures. These awards are a vehicle for knowledge-sharing that raises standards across all industries.
Driving professional evolution
By identifying and celebrating trailblazers, these awards help steer the HR community’s focus toward the most critical and emerging areas, such as integrating AI, leading organisational transformation and championing human-centric work environments.
Attracting and retaining top talent
Having a BW People HR 50 Under 50 leader in the team enhances the organisation’s employer brand. It signals to both current and potential employees that the organisation is managed by progressive, high-calibre HR leaders who prioritise a future-ready, high-performing workplace.
Building a network of influencers
These awards create an exclusive forum of top HR leaders to connect, exchange ideas and collaboratively tackle the future challenges facing the global workforce, effectively fostering a community of high-impact HR thought leaders.
Who can nominate
HR Leaders under the age of 50 on 31 Dec 2025, who have made a significant contribution to any facet of HR can nominate.
Eligible nominees include, but are not limited to –
Jury Members
Coming Soon
Nomination
- The nomination fee is ₹20,000 plus applicable GST.
- Payment of the nomination fee does not guarantee selection or receipt of an award.
OUR SPEAKERS
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Registration Form
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Frequently Asked Questions
Contact US
For Award Nominations & Speaking Opportunities
Aditi Rawat
aditi.rawat@businessworld.in
+91 9873431912
For Industry Collaborations
Bilquis Naqvee
bilquis.naqvee@businessworld.in
+91 9910382910
Ashish Kumar
ashish.kumar@businessworld.in
+91 9717922747
For Partnerships & Startup Meet
Abdulla Mazumdar
abdulla@businessworld.in
+91 9871609348