The contemporary business landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements, globalization, and the ever-increasing demands of a dynamic workforce. In the concurrent digital era, human resources, as a function, have transformed from their traditional role into their new-age human-tech integrated advanced avatar—evolving into strategic business partners, champions of innovation, and stewards of human capital in the digital age.

Amidst all the factors responsible for this transition, the greatest contribution is from India’s Most Trusted CHRO Leaders like Preeti Kannan, who is leading IIFL Finance as its dynamic President and Chief Human Resources Officer, aka CHRO.

Gone are the days when HR solely focused on administrative tasks like payroll and recruitment. Today, CHROs like Preeti are at the forefront of navigating the complexities of the modern workplace, driving organizational growth, and ensuring the well-being and engagement of a diverse and globally distributed workforce.

Preeti is a seasoned HR leader with over two decades of experience in driving organizational excellence through strategic HR leadership. With a proven track record in fostering a positive work culture, she has been instrumental in developing effective HR policies and implementing innovative solutions for talent acquisition and retention.

Her expertise spans navigating complex organizational structures, overseeing HR operations, and driving performance improvement initiatives to support business growth and success. Through her commitment to talent management and employee engagement, Preeti continues to play a pivotal role in aligning human capital strategies with IIFL Finance’s vision, ensuring sustainable growth and a thriving workplace culture.

A Journey of Passion, People, and Purpose

Preeti’s journey into the world of human resources wasn’t a conventional calling—it was a path shaped by academic determination, professional experiences, and a growing passion for people management.

“My journey into HR was driven by a combination of academic aptitude, a competitive environment, and the intrinsic motivation to excel,” Preeti shares. “Like many, I was influenced by the need to achieve good grades, secure placements, and build a meaningful career. However, my real passion for HR developed through my experiences in people management.”

Her early years in the industry provided her with a firsthand understanding of the power of workplace culture and the pivotal role HR plays in driving organizational success. As she navigated through various roles, from talent acquisition to organizational development, her belief in the human element of business deepened.

“The ability to shape organizational culture, empower employees, and create meaningful impact drew me into this dynamic ecosystem,” she reflects. “Over the years, I have realized that HR is not just about policies and processes; it’s about building a workplace where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to perform at their best.”

This people-centric approach became the cornerstone of Preeti’s leadership style. Today, as President and CHRO at IIFL Finance, she channels this philosophy into every aspect of her work—driving initiatives that prioritize employee well-being, engagement, and growth while aligning HR strategies with business objectives.

From a young professional seeking a meaningful career to a transformative leader shaping the future of work, Preeti’s story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Building Success Through Values and Vision

Under Preeti’s leadership, IIFL Finance has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the HR landscape, known for its people-centric culture and innovative practices. At the heart of this success lies a steadfast commitment to core values and a unique approach to employee empowerment.

“Our success is deeply rooted in the FIT values—Fairness, Integrity, and Transparency—and an Owners’ Mindset that encourages employees to think and act like entrepreneurs,” Preeti explains.

These values aren’t just words on paper; they are woven into the fabric of IIFL’s workplace culture. Preeti has been instrumental in driving people practices that are both employee-friendly and business-focused. Initiatives such as continuous feedback mechanisms, open-door policies, and regular town halls with CXOs have fostered an environment of trust, inclusion, and transparency.

She believes that a thriving organization is one where employees feel heard, valued, and connected to the company’s mission. Through these guiding principles, Preeti has helped create a work environment where individuals are not only aligned with the organization’s vision but are also empowered to drive its success.

With a clear philosophy and a commitment to excellence, Preeti continues to shape IIFL Finance into a workplace that stands out not only for its business achievements but also for its people-first culture.

Transforming HR with Technology-Powered Advancements

Under Preeti Kannan’s dynamic leadership, IIFL Finance has positioned itself as a trailblazer in the HR landscape, blending innovation with a people-first philosophy. The organization stands apart not only for its financial success but also for its transformational approach to human capital management.

“In addition to a robust recognition framework, IIFL Finance differentiates itself through a strong growth trajectory, customer-centric approach, cutting-edge digital transformation, a culture of fairness and integrity, and diverse career opportunities,” Preeti shares.

IIFL Finance’s impressive expansion, with over 2,600 branches across 500+ cities, underscores its strong growth trajectory. The company’s customer-centric philosophy, focusing on affordable financing and financial inclusion, has impacted millions of lives.

However, it’s their forward-thinking approach to digital transformation that truly sets them apart. AI-driven lending solutions and seamless R&R (Rewards & Recognition) modules on Darwinbox streamline employee experiences, while Amber, a continuous listening tool, captures real-time feedback to foster engagement and responsiveness. Collaboration is enhanced through digital platforms like Workplace, creating a connected and transparent environment.

A commitment to employee growth is central to IIFL’s success. Through initiatives such as Moneyvarsity, their digital learning platform, employees have continuous access to professional development. Additionally, mentorship programs, cross-functional learning opportunities, and ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) create a pathway for career advancement and long-term association.

With technology as a core enabler and strong leadership sponsorship driving initiatives, Preeti has cultivated an ecosystem at IIFL Finance that champions learning, engagement, and empowerment. Her leadership continues to inspire transformation, making IIFL Finance not just a great place to work but a leader in redefining HR excellence.

A Leadership That is Empowering Its Followers with Trust

Preeti’s leadership style has been a cornerstone of IIFL Finance’s continued success, blending clarity of vision with a strong focus on execution. Her approach to leadership and team building is rooted in transparency, empowerment, and results-driven performance.

“For me, leadership is about providing clarity, fostering transparency, and ensuring flawless execution,” Preeti explains. “A strong organization is built on well-defined goals and clear expectations, where every team member understands their role in driving success. Setting the right direction is just the beginning—ensuring accountability at all levels is what translates vision into action.”

Her leadership philosophy centres on creating a culture where trust and innovation thrive. By empowering teams with the right tools, resources, and decision-making autonomy, Preeti fosters an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute their best ideas. She has implemented a transparent communication framework that ensures feedback flows seamlessly across hierarchies. This open exchange not only enhances collaboration but also strengthens IIFL Finance’s ability to adapt and improve continuously.

“My approach to leadership revolves around empowering teams and encouraging a culture where individuals feel heard and inspired to bring their best ideas forward,” she shares. “We believe that open communication and a delivery-driven, results-oriented mindset ensure that our teams don’t just plan but also deliver high-impact outcomes.”

Preeti also champions the importance of execution, recognizing that strategy alone is not enough. Under her guidance, IIFL Finance has embedded a results-oriented mindset within the organization. She ensures that every initiative is met with measurable outcomes, driving performance while maintaining adaptability.

With her ability to strike the perfect balance between vision, execution, and adaptability, Preeti has cultivated an ecosystem at IIFL Finance where excellence becomes a natural way of working. Her leadership continues to inspire teams and fuel the company’s journey of growth, innovation, and success.

Pioneering HR Transformation with Innovation and Care

Preeti Kannan continues to redefine HR leadership at IIFL Finance, driving innovation while balancing operational efficiency with employee satisfaction. She believes that “Our approach to HR transformation is built on three pillars—automation, agility, and adaptability. By automating routine HR processes, we free up bandwidth to focus on strategic initiatives while ensuring agility through continuous feedback from employees and stakeholders.” This strategy places end-user experience at its core, delivering seamless onboarding, transparent performance evaluations, and robust engagement programs.

Technology is central to IIFL’s modern HR ecosystem. Preeti highlights, “We leverage AI-powered analytics for real-time insights and data-driven decisions, while virtual induction programs and automated HR journeys ensure a smooth onboarding experience.” Platforms like Moneyvarsity support digital learning, empowering employees to upskill anytime, anywhere. Additionally, cutting-edge AI-driven solutions and tools like Amber, their real-time employee listening platform, enable leadership to address concerns proactively, enhancing engagement and well-being.

A standout initiative under Preeti’s leadership is the Contribution Score Incentive Plan, which fosters an ‘Owner’s Mindset.’ “Branch Managers act as CEOs of their branches, embodying accountability and excellence,” she notes. Programs such as Kudos (SPOT Recognition), Employee of the Month, and Long Service Awards, managed via Darwinbox, celebrate achievements and reinforce IIFL’s core values of Fairness, Integrity, and Transparency.

IIFL’s commitment to talent growth is equally robust. Their Role Elevation Program and Talent Marketplace promote internal career mobility, while mentorship initiatives and digital learning paths through Moneyvarsity drive continuous skill development. “We believe in nurturing internal talent, providing opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture of empowerment,” Preeti affirms.

Through innovative initiatives and a people-first philosophy, Preeti Kannan and IIFL Finance are not only transforming HR practices but also building a workplace where employees thrive and the organization excels.

Driving Future Organizational Excellence

In response to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and global uncertainties, Preeti spearheaded a diversification strategy to mitigate risks. She states, “By expanding our focus to Loan Against Property (LAP), SME financing, and wealth management alongside Gold Loans (GL), we ensure adaptability and resilience against market shifts.”

Preeti’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs highlights her focus on execution and people-centric leadership: “Focus on problem-solving with a strong execution mindset—Ideas alone are not enough; success lies in execution, customer-centricity, and fostering a culture of ownership. Investing in talent and leveraging technology effectively can unlock growth and resilience.”

A thriving venture is built on the foundation of customer-centricity, agility, and a culture of ownership, where every team member takes responsibility for driving growth. Investing in people—nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and encouraging a growth mindset—is critical to building a resilient organization. Additionally, in today’s fast-paced world, leveraging technology effectively can provide a competitive edge, streamlining operations, enhancing customer experiences, and unlocking new opportunities. Success is not just about innovation but also about adaptability, persistence, and continuously learning from challenges along the way.

Looking ahead, Preeti envisions a future where IIFL continues to lead as a top NBFC, driving transformation in HR practices and financial inclusion. “It will be achieved by keeping both employees and customers at the centre of everything we do. Whether it’s refining our processes, policies, or experiences, our goal is to ensure that we create an ecosystem where both business and people thrive.” She concludes, “Our goal for 2025 and beyond is to create an ecosystem where business and people thrive together. By focusing on technological advancements, employee engagement, and financial inclusion, we aim to set new benchmarks in the industry and drive sustainable growth.”