Kolkata/IBNS: BIBS, in collaboration with the NHRDN Kolkata Chapter, has hosted the HR Leadership Summit on the AI-Driven Future of Work in Kolkata.

With AI transforming the workplace and hybrid models changing how organizations operate, the summit gathered prominent HR leaders, practitioners, and experts to discuss the future of HR leadership in a fast-changing business environment.

Snehasis Chakraborty, the Minister for Transport of West Bengal, added significance to the event with his attendance.

The summit began with a keynote address from Prabir Jha, Founder and CEO of Prabir Jha People Advisory.

He pointed out that AI, automation, and digital-first workplaces require a complete rethinking of HR's role.

HR is moving from providing basic support to becoming a key driver of innovation, agility, and a people-focused culture.

The first panel, titled "Mastering People Leadership in a Hybrid World," explored how hybrid work models are changing leadership styles.

Panelists George Thomas (CHRO – MISP Steel), Kassiopea Chaudhuri (Associate Director HR – IBM), Rashmita Parija (Head HR – Lexmark), Subrata Chatterjee (CHRO – AECOMTITAL Design & Engineering Centre), and Sudarsana Sanyal (Head HR & Admin – CESC) discussed the importance of empathy, adaptability, and communication skills in leading diverse teams.

The second panel called "Future Ready or Left Behind: The Urgency of Upskilling in the Age of AI," highlighted the need for businesses to reskill and upskill their workforce to stay competitive in an AI-driven world.

Speakers Megha Chhabra (GM & Global HR Head – Cyber Security & Risk Services, Wipro), Prapti Lodh Roy (Managing Director Human Capital – PwC India), and Suman Banerjee (CHRO – ABP Pvt. Ltd.) explained how organizations prioritizing continuous learning and digital skills will succeed, while those that do not may fall behind.

Vidur Kapoor, Chairman of BIBS, shared his thoughts: "At BIBS, we strive to make management education relevant to real-world challenges. The HR Leadership Summit embodies this goal—bringing together leading HR professionals to discuss AI, hybrid models, and future-oriented leadership prepares our students and industry partners for rapidly evolving workplaces."

Throughout the summit, one clear message emerged: the future of HR lies at the intersection of technology and human-centered leadership. As AI reshapes roles and hybrid models disrupt traditional structures, HR leaders must become change agents, creating teams that are both digitally savvy and emotionally resilient.

(Reporting by Rishika Sharma, Photos by Arpita Das)