ET HR Excellence Awards 2027: Honouring the leaders redefining the future of work

The Economic Times HR Excellence Awards 2027 is set to celebrate the visionaries, HR teams, and organisations redefining the modern workplace. While many awards focus broadly on organisational culture or HR tech, the Leadership Honours track is carved out specifically for the individuals driving these transformations from the top down.

If you or a leader in your organisation has championed people-first strategies and delivered measurable business impact, this is where that excellence takes centre stage.

The Four Pillars of Leadership Honours


The Leadership Honours segment is designed for HR and business leaders, including CHROs, CXOs, and senior HR professionals who have elevated people strategy into lasting organisational success. Nominations are open across four distinct categories:

1. People Leader of the Year

This category recognises exceptional HR leaders who have gone beyond traditional administration to drive highly strategic people initiatives. It honours those who have championed innovation, adapted to the changing demands of the workforce, and left a lasting, measurable impact on both their employees, and the broader organisation.

2. People-First CEO of the Year

Great HR doesn't exist in a vacuum; it requires buy-in from the very top. This award is dedicated to CEOs who have placed their people at the absolute heart of their business strategy. It celebrates chief executives who foster an environment where employees, leadership teams, and business metrics thrive simultaneously.

3. Woman HR Leader of the Year

Aimed at celebrating inspiring women in the human resources sector, this category honours female leaders who have successfully driven organisational success while simultaneously championing inclusion, progressive leadership, and the mentorship of future talent.

4. Learning & Development Officer of the Year

As upskilling and continuous learning become critical to business survival, this category spotlights exceptional L&D professionals. It recognises leaders who have built highly impactful learning programs, fundamentally strengthened employee capabilities, and played a tangible role in driving company-wide growth.

How Winners Are Chosen

Every entry is first screened for eligibility, documented timelines, quantifiable outcomes, and mandatory executive endorsements. Shortlisted entries then go before an independent panel of industry experts, scored on impact across organisational culture, talent transformation, and business performance. The highest-scoring leaders are honoured at the awards ceremony, setting the benchmark for the industry.

Nominate now to build credibility, showcase proven impact, and put your leadership or that of a leader in your organisation in front of India's HR community.

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The Economic Times HR Excellence Awards 2027: Recognising the people strategies shaping tomorrow’s workplace

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