Sanjana Rao Renati | Lead for Business Partner HR | Infosys Ltd
Sanjana Rao Renati embraces the uncertainty and unpredictability of HR. Her professional journey reflects her belief that “no day is the same,” highlighting the dynamic nature of her work in human resources.
As a prominent Lead for Business Partner HR (BPHR) at Infosys Ltd, she plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between organisational objectives and human capital management. With a deep-seated commitment to fostering a people-centric work culture, she thrives on the thrill of solving complex organisational challenges, ensuring that the human element remains at the core of all initiatives.
Learning from the past, present and future
One defining trait that guides Sanjana’s approach to life and work is her commitment to learnability. Drawing inspiration from her father, a former Army officer, Sanjana learned the importance of adaptability early on. “Every wooden and metal box with his name and a few of my belongings helped me learn how to move forward, how to make new friends, and keep in touch with old ones,” she reflects. This upbringing instilled in her the values of resilience and flexibility, which she applies in her professional life by embracing change and learning from every experience.
Her career in HR is a testament to this adaptability. By partnering with the unit HR Director at Infosys, she is actively involved in transforming the organisation into a skill-based entity, even within non-technical units. Sanjana believes that “measurable tags for HRs would help structure their learnings, expertise, and experiences,” ultimately leading to more effective learning and reward programs. Reflecting on her experiences in 2024, Sanjana identifies a significant shift in the work landscape: “Culture and strategy sit together for breakfast.” This insight underscores the interconnectedness of organisational culture, workforce dynamics, and strategic objectives. She emphasises the importance of maintaining respect and quality in work relationships, which are crucial for attracting and retaining talent in today’s competitive landscape.
In her view, “the future of HR is about harmonising technology and human intelligence,” and her vision for 2025 is inspired by this belief. She aspires for HR to have “a seat at the table which enables a collaborative win for business and people,” ensuring that the organisation’s strategic direction aligns with the evolving needs of its workforce.
HR capability building at Infosys
Sanjana’s role extends beyond traditional HR functions, and she is dedicated to building capabilities within her team and the broader organisation. Her initiatives include leading Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that focus on enhancing HR learning through internal and external speakers, case studies, and strategic partnerships with external platforms. This collaborative approach not only enriches her team’s knowledge base but also encourages a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
Sanjana is acutely aware of the challenges facing HR today, particularly in leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to enhance HR functions. She articulates that “the biggest problem statement in front of HR today is to leverage technology and AI to enrich the work done by HR.” At Infosys, she supports an automation and AI track to identify opportunities for technological integration within HR processes.
Her focus on data-driven decision-making has transformed how HR metrics are viewed across the organisation. By establishing quantifiable goals and regularly gathering input from employees, she ensures that the value of HR initiatives is clearly articulated. This proactive approach not only demonstrates the impact of HR but also fosters a culture of accountability and transparency.
Journey at Are You In The List 2024 awards
Participating in the People Matters Are You In The List Awards, powered by Aon has been a journey of self-discovery for Sanjana. She describes the process as an opportunity to learn new things: “At each stage, there’s a new element you discover about yourself.” The assessments and coaching sessions provided valuable insights into her strengths, while interactions with peers and mentors enriched her understanding of HR best practices.
The experience has amplified her knowledge and expanded her professional network, enabling her to contribute more significantly to the larger HR community. Sanjana recognises that “participating in this process has helped me know myself better, amplify my learnings in HR, and give more to the larger community.”
Sanjana Rao Renati embodies a progressive and adaptable HR leader whose commitment to learnability, technological integration, and cultural alignment makes her a valuable HR visionary. Her approach to human capital management ensures that organisational objectives and employee well-being are prioritised, paving the way for a thriving workplace culture.
Follow #AreYouInTheList to meet other leaders and winners of the People Matters Are You In The List awards.