Homecoming at Essar for Sonalkar
ISF Awards for Science and Research
Infosys are just not the leaders in technology services and consulting, they have been leaders in many folds. The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF), which was found in the year 2009, is no different as this is one of their flagship initiative. And they (Infosys) always are the front runners in rewarding the stellar work. In a function held in Bengaluru recently, the ISF honoured the winners of the Infosys Prize 2017, while celebrating their inspiring journeys and contributions to science and research. The laureates of the Infosys Prize 2017 are: Prof. Sanghamitra
Bandyopadhyay (Engineering and Computer Science); Prof. Ananya Jahanara Kabir (Humanities); Prof. Upinder Singh Bhalla (Life Sciences); Prof. Ritabrata Munshi (Mathematical Sciences); Prof. Yamuna Krishnan (Physical Sciences) and Prof. Lawrence Liang (Social Sciences). The chief guest, Prof. Kip Thorne, Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics, Emeritus at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Nobel Prize 2017 Laureate, felicitated each laureate a purse of `65 lakhs, a 22-karat gold medallion and a citation certificate. Among the other who were present were K. Dinesh, President of the Board of Trustees, N. R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, T. V. Mohandas Pai, S. Gopalakrishnan, and Srinath Batni. The event was also attended by eminent scientists and academicians from India and abroad, business leaders, young researchers and students. The winners this year—three women and three men, are a true testimony to the symbiotic relationship between science and society. The winners were chosen from 236 nominations by jurors headed by eminent academics.
It is a homecoming for Kaustubh Sonalkar as he starts his second innings with Essar Group as President HR and CEO, Essar Foundation. His earlier association with the company was as senior vice president and Head-HR. Sonalkar has moved from the Future Group, where he was group chief people officer handling HR, communications, CSR, corporate relations, M&A, new business development and customer experience. This position was lying vacant since Adil Malia moved on from the Essar Group. Armed with more than two decades of experience, Sonalkar has worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers as senior partner and executive director-EMEA (people & change and sports). This is his second stint with Essar. Earlier, he was associated with Essar Energy for a couple of years as senior vice president and head-HR. “I look forward to this new, exciting role that will require me to engage with both our people and the community at large, the pillars on which Essar stands, and take the brand to loftier heights,” said Sonalkar about the move. Commenting on Sonalkar’s venture, R.K. Sukhdevsinhji, Director, Essar, said, “In this dual role, Kaustubh will be in charge of building on the strong people and community focus that will continue to define Essar’s journey into its next phase of growth. Aside from his varied experience and professional competence, what sets Kaustubh apart is his familiarity with our ethos. I welcome him back to Essar and wish him the very best.” An entrepreneur in his own right, Sonalkar has experience of syncing business agenda with people management, designing proactive and predictive policies as opposed to reactive measures, and using technology to further his cause is the core of his operation. But he believes treating people like people, with heart, is more important than any innovation. He is of the belief that integrating people and cultures into the business is critical for any success. Mergers and acquisitions, marketing and branding, product development, human capital management and managing corporate relations and communications with local and government bodies across the globe are some of his key strengths. He holds a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Mumbai and a master’s in personnel management from the University of Pune (HR and behavioural sciences). He also holds an MSc degree from the London School of Economics. February 16-28, 2018 / Corporate Citizen / 13