About the BW People HR 40 Under 40 Awards 2026
Recognising the next generation of HR leaders who are shaping people, culture, leadership and the future of work.
Recognising HR leaders is not merely a gesture of appreciation—it is a business imperative. Meaningful recognition of emerging HR leaders can strengthen engagement, motivation and organisational performance while highlighting the people professionals who are creating lasting value.
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, a culture that values and celebrates young HR leaders helps build stronger organisations. It encourages innovation, supports retention and empowers professionals to take a strategic role in shaping the future of work.
The BW People HR 40 Under 40 Awards 2026 is a prestigious recognition platform for emerging HR leaders. The initiative honours 40 exceptional HR professionals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated passion, innovation and a sustained commitment to creating meaningful change across the HR ecosystem.
The winners represent accomplished, forward-thinking and influential young HR professionals across areas including talent acquisition, learning and development, talent management, total rewards, employer branding, employee engagement and wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion, HR compliance and employment law. Their achievements reflect the evolving role of HR in driving people excellence and business impact.
Eminent Jury Members
Meet the distinguished leaders and industry experts who will bring experience, insight and an independent perspective to the BW People HR 40 Under 40 Awards 2026.
Distinguished Jury Panel
Our eminent jury will evaluate nominations with a focus on leadership, innovation, people impact, transformation and meaningful contribution to the future of Human Resources.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
CHROs / HR Leaders
Director, VP, Head of Total Rewards, Employee Experience & HR Tech
Director / Head of Talent Management & Talent Development
CEOs / MDs
Chief Learning Officers / Learning & Development Heads
Policymakers, Thinkers, Educationists & Ed-Tech Leaders
Academicians / Vice Chancellors / Chancellors / Deans
DEI Heads / Practitioners
NOMINATE FOR HR 40 UNDER 40
REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT
Connect with the people shaping India’s HR ecosystem and be part of conversations that move workplaces forward.
Please fill in your details below to register for the BW People HR 40 Under 40 2026.
🔒 Secure registration • Your information is used only for event communication.
CONTACT US
Connect with the right team for nominations, speaking and collaborations.
For Collaborations
Bilquis Naqvee
📞 +91 9910382910
bilquis.naqvee@businessworld.in
ABOUT BW PEOPLE
Connecting people, ideas and the future of HR
Trusted business journalism and industry leadership.
A Connected HR Community
BW People is an initiative of BW Businessworld dedicated to the Human Resources community. It brings HR leaders, professionals, organisations and solution providers together to exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences.
From talent and learning to employee experience, rewards, well-being, inclusion and the future of work, BW People covers the conversations shaping modern workplaces.
WHAT BW PEOPLE BRINGS TO YOU
ABOUT BW PEOPLE
BW People is BW Businessworld’s exclusive HR community, created to connect and empower professionals across the evolving people and workplace ecosystem. It brings together CEOs, CHROs, HR leaders, talent professionals, HR technology providers, recruitment firms, educators, policymakers and organisations.
Through its digital platforms, BW TV, publications and marquee events, BW People creates conversations around the issues shaping modern workplaces — from talent and learning to employee experience, leadership, inclusion, well-being and the future of work.
Its flagship initiatives include the HR Excellence Summit & Awards, L&D Excellence Summit and Awards, HR 40 Under 40 and CEO & CHRO Conclave, recognising the people and ideas driving transformation across the HR ecosystem.