Apollo Tyres Ltd has announced the appointment of R Mahalakshmi as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective immediately. With nearly three decades of experience across India, Africa, the UK and Southeast Asia, Mahalakshmi brings a strong background in leading people strategy and organisational transformation in diverse, multicultural environments.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said Mahalakshmi’s experience and people-focused leadership style would be key in supporting the company’s next phase of growth. “Her global perspective and HR expertise will help cultivate top talent, build our employer brand, and drive employee engagement across markets,” he said.

In her new role, Mahalakshmi will join the company’s Global Executive Committee and be responsible for shaping Apollo Tyres’ global HR strategy in line with its long-term growth plans. She will oversee efforts to enhance organisational effectiveness, evolve employee policies, and strengthen the company’s people-first approach.

On her new role, Mahalakshmi said she was drawn to Apollo Tyres by its purpose-driven culture and growth ambitions. She will be based at the company’s headquarters in Gurugram and report to Neeraj Kanwar.

Prior to joining Apollo Tyres, Mahalakshmi held HR leadership roles in consulting and across multiple sectors, including telecom, pharmaceuticals, and FMCG. Most recently, she was with Mondelez International, where she served as Head of HR for Southeast Asia and previously as CHRO for India, managing operations across six countries and ten manufacturing units. Her responsibilities included driving business transformation and implementing future-ready workforce strategies.