IIFL Finance appoints Preeti Kannan as CHRO
In a move to bolster its human resources leadership, IIFL Finance Limited, a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has announced the appointment of Preeti Kannan as President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). With over 15,000 employees spread across 4,400 branches in India, the company is looking to strengthen its people strategy as it enters a new phase of growth.
Kannan brings with her 25 years of experience as a seasoned HR leader and trusted advisor to senior management across both Indian firms and multinational corporations (MNCs). Her track record demonstrates a passion for aligning people strategy with business objectives while harnessing technology to unlock individuals’ potential. As a certified coach and psychotherapist, Kannan has consistently focused on holistic employee development and engagement, ensuring that businesses can adapt to evolving market demands.
R Venkataraman, Joint Managing Director of IIFL Finance, expressed his confidence in Kannan’s ability to drive the company’s talent management strategy. “IIFL Finance’s success has always been focused on its people strategy and unique ‘ownership mindset’. As the CHRO, Preeti’s vast experience across diverse industries and work cultures will help IIFL Finance drive its talent management and succession strategy effectively, enabling us to enter the next orbit of growth.”
Her previous roles include being the Head of HR for Retail Asset, Corporate Functions, and Technology at Kotak Mahindra Bank, as well as leading people engagement initiatives. Before this, Kannan held senior HR positions at Bajaj Finance, Fujitsu Consulting, Oracle Financial Services, MindTree, and Symbiosis College. She holds an MBA in HR from Pune University and a Master’s in Psychotherapy and Counselling from Mumbai University.
For Kannan, this role marks an exciting new chapter in her career. “I am looking forward to joining IIFL and excited to lead the change in driving digital transformation, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation in the financial sector. By fostering a culture of agility and focusing on robust succession planning, we will continue to empower our teams, embrace change, and meet the evolving needs of our customers with confidence and resilience,” she said.