AkzoNobel India has elevated Neha Kalia to Country HR Manager for India, marking a strategic leadership appointment for the global paints and coatings company’s operations in one of its key markets.
Kalia brings over two decades of human resources expertise to the expanded role, having demonstrated her capabilities across talent acquisition and HR business partnering in several multinational corporations. Her promotion reflects AkzoNobel’s commitment to strengthening its people strategy as the company navigates a period of significant transformation in South Asia.
Since joining AkzoNobel in May 2021, Kalia has served as Talent Acquisition Head for India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, where she has been instrumental in building the company’s workforce across the region. Her responsibilities have included campus recruitment, leadership hiring, and employer branding initiatives that supported AkzoNobel India’s recognition as one of India’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing 2023 by Great Place to Work.
Prior to AkzoNobel, Kalia spent nearly two years at DuPont as Talent Acquisition Leader for DSCI, where she focused on strategic hiring for the company’s digital and shared services operations. Her earlier experience includes five years at Avery Dennison, where she held the position of Leader Talent Acquisition and HR Business Partner for South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating her capability to manage HR functions across diverse geographical markets.
Kalia’s career foundation was built during six years at Aircel, where she progressed to Deputy Manager – Human Resources, gaining experience in the fast-paced telecommunications sector. She also held consulting roles at Paridhy Staffing & Consulting and CSG/Nacre HR Outsourcing earlier in her career.
AkzoNobel India operates as a significant player in the country’s paints and coatings industry, with a presence spanning over 70 years. The company employs approximately 1,500 people across manufacturing sites, offices and distribution networks throughout India. Its portfolio includes globally recognised brands such as Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon, serving homeowners, professionals and industrial users.
The appointment comes as AkzoNobel India undergoes strategic restructuring following JSW Group’s acquisition of the company’s liquid paints and coatings business. The company achieved Great Place to Work certification and has maintained focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives, including hybrid work models and employee wellbeing programmes through its AkzoNobel Cares framework.
With India serving as regional headquarters for AkzoNobel’s South Asia decorative paints organisation, Kalia’s expanded remit positions her to lead HR strategy during a pivotal phase of growth and transformation. Her track record in talent acquisition and HR business partnering across multiple sectors provides the foundation for driving people initiatives that support the company’s ambitions in the dynamic Indian market.
AkzoNobel India’s manufacturing facilities maintain state-of-the-art environmental management systems, reflecting the parent company’s commitment to sustainability. The company’s focus on health, safety, environment and security has been recognised as best-in-class globally, with initiatives spanning employee development, workplace culture and community engagement.
