HR Excellence Awards 2026

Pune | June 2026

Dr. Amit K. Patil, Dean & Head of Pune Management School (PMS), played a pivotal role in the successful organization of the fourth edition of the HR Excellence Awards 2026, hosted by Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU) and Pune Business School (PBS). The prestigious event brought together leading HR professionals, industry experts, academicians, and business leaders to discuss emerging workplace trends and recognize excellence in human resource management.

The event served as a platform for meaningful discussions on leadership, talent management, workplace innovation, diversity and inclusion, learning and development, and the future of work. It highlighted the growing need for organizations to create people-centric workplaces while embracing technological advancements and organizational transformation.

Distinguished Dignitaries and Industry Leaders

The HR Excellence Awards 2026 witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities from academia and industry, including Padma Shri Prataprao Pawar, Mr. Amitabh Mishra (CHRO, Adani Power Limited), Shri Sachin Itkar (Vice Chairman, MEDC), Dr. Leena Deshpande (Vice President HR & Head CSR, Bharat Forge Ltd.), Dr. Santosh Sonawane (Vice Chancellor, PCU), Dr. Girish Desai (Executive Director, PCET), and other distinguished guests.

Their participation enriched the event through valuable insights on leadership, organizational growth, innovation, and human capital development.

Discussions on the Future of Work

One of the major highlights of the event was a series of thought-provoking discussions addressing the rapidly evolving workplace landscape. Industry leaders explored topics such as:

• Human-centered leadership and employee engagement

• Artificial Intelligence and workplace transformation

• Talent development and workforce readiness

• Leadership challenges in the digital era

• Expectations of Generation Z and Generation Alpha

• Building resilient and future-ready organizations

The discussions emphasized the importance of balancing technological innovation with ethical leadership, empathy, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Recognition of HR Excellence

The HR Excellence Awards recognized outstanding contributions across multiple categories, including:

• HR Leader Award

• CHRO Excellence Award

• Talent Management Award

• Inclusion & Diversity Award

• Learning & Development Excellence Award

• Talent Acquisition Excellence Award

• Young HR Leader Award

• HR Best Practices Award

The awards celebrated organizations and professionals who have demonstrated excellence in creating impactful, innovative, and people-focused workplace practices.

Inauguration of Pune Management School

A significant milestone during the event was the formal inauguration of Pune Management School (formerly School of Management) under Pimpri Chinchwad University.

Led by Dr. Amit K. Patil, Dean & Head, Pune Management School, the inauguration reflected a renewed commitment towards industry-integrated management education, academic excellence, and preparing future-ready business leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amit K. Patil emphasized the importance of strengthening industry-academia collaboration and fostering leadership skills that align with the evolving demands of the global business environment.

Leadership, Learning and Industry Collaboration

The event reinforced the importance of continuous learning, ethical leadership, innovation, and organizational excellence. It also highlighted the crucial role of HR professionals in shaping workplace culture, nurturing talent, and driving sustainable growth.

Through initiatives such as the HR Excellence Awards, Dr. Amit K. Patil continues to contribute toward bridging academia and industry, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, leadership development, and professional excellence.

Event Gallery

The event concluded with networking sessions, award presentations, and a group photograph capturing a memorable celebration of leadership, innovation, collaboration, and excellence in human capital development.

The HR Excellence Awards 2026 stands as another milestone in Dr. Amit K. Patil’s commitment to advancing management education, industry engagement, and leadership development for the future workforce.