Separate HR heads for AV Birla group lines

The Rs 27,000 crore A V Birla group is appointing separate human resource (HR) heads for its cement, non-ferrous metals, carbon black, viscose staple fibre and chemicals & fertiliser businesses.

All the HR activities are, at present, headed by Santrupt Misra, group corporate head. The new HR heads will report to Misra.

Misra told Business Standard, "We are looking at a new structure for our human resources departments and have created the new positions to facilitate better implementation of our initiatives."

The group is moving towards a more focused and decentralised HR policy. At present, HR activities in the group are headed by unit heads, who in turn report to the corporate HR head. "We are looking towards the next stage of HR development and, therefore, have decided to introduce this structure now," Misra said. There are 40 unit heads.

The move to introduce business HR heads is also expected to result in a structure, which is geared to deal with business-wide needs. "Business heads will help the group to advance HR initiatives from a perspective more relevant to the business," Misra said.

According to sources, around 400 applicants have applied for the posts, which have a pre-requisite of industry experience of over 15 years.

The process of selection is currently on and the final list is expected in next few days.

Group observers say the proposed strengthening of the HR department with more appointments is required given the huge employee base. While the group's cement business employs 5,500, its non-ferrous metals business has 23,450 employees.