Pinnacle 2025: Pioneering Discussions on Marketing, HR, and Financial Trends

The Industrial Relations and
Sponsorships Committee (IRS Committee) of the Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur
successfully organized the annual flagship event – Pinnacle 2.0, bringing together industry leaders,
academicians, and students for insightful panel discussions on emerging trends in Marketing, Human
Resources (HR), and Finance. The event saw enthusiastic participation and engaging conversations,
showcasing the dynamic landscape of these fields.
The Marketing Panel, titled “A Disruption Called Quick Commerce,” featured distinguished panellists,
including Mr Abishek Gupta, CMO of Edelweiss Life Insurance; Mr Harshit Shah, DGM of Digital and
Media at Piramal Consumer Healthcare; Mr Kartik Patiar, Senior Director at Sharechat; and Mr Rohit
Gulati, Director of Marketing for India and South Asia at Johnson & Johnson. Prof. Karthikeyan
Balakumar of IIM Sirmaur steered the conversation to the rapid rise of Quick Commerce and its
implications for marketers.
Mr Rohit Gulati emphasized the importance of data in understanding consumer behaviour and
predicting trends. The panel discussed the evolution of Quick Commerce, highlighting its growth in
Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The panellists explored the impact of technology on consumer behaviour,
with insights into how brands analyze consumer trends and the role of data analytics in shaping
marketing strategies. The discussion also touched upon the potential integration of Quick Commerce
with traditional retail models, highlighting the need for regulatory oversight and collaboration with
local Kirana stores for sustainable growth. “Data is the new oil for marketers, fueling insights and
strategies that drive consumer engagement,” said Mr Rohit Gulati.
The HR Panel focused on “Revenge Quitting: 28% Expect It at Work in 2025” and featured prominent
industry experts, including Mr Yahya Rasheed, Global Head of L&D, Talent Transformation & Head of
GDC at HCLTech; Ms Neha Jain, Associate Director-People at Bira91; Mr Arpan A. Omray, Associate
Director-Human Resource at Pepsico; and Ms Monika Garg, Associate Director of Global HR
Operations Support at Fresenius. Dr. Sumagna Bhowmick moderated the panel discussion by
addressing various HR challenges and strategies to enhance employee engagement.
Panellists emphasized the importance of flexibility in work arrangements and balancing growth and
personal life. They explored ways to monitor and prevent “Productivity” (fake productivity) and the
crucial role of honest performance appraisals. Insights were shared on establishing personal
connections with employees, understanding the root causes of revenge quitting, and the importance
of training managers. The panellists highlighted the positive impact of openly discussing mental
health and the significance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in fostering a healthy
work environment. The discussion also covered the challenges posed by AI advancements, layoffs,
and the importance of upskilling and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving job market. “In today’s
age, work-life balance and growth are equally important for employees,” stated Ms Neha Jain.
The Finance Panel, titled “Digital Financial Services: Driving Economic Growth for Viksit Bharat
2047,” featured esteemed panellists, including Mr Mayank Sharma, Director of Finance, Global Client
Accounting – O2C at ZS; Mr Shalin Agarwal, representing All Things Finance at Cred; Mr Tarun Ahuja,

VP Finance Delivery Lead, ESG Change at HSBC; and Mr Vatsalya Chaturvedi, Vice President of Risk
Governance Controls at Barclays. Prof. Ujjwal Kango moderated the panel discussion by guiding the
conversation on the role of digital financial services in driving economic growth for a developed India
by 2047. Panellists emphasized the importance of financial inclusion, efficiency, and transparency in
the digital financial landscape. They discussed the significance of government and private
partnerships and the potential of digital payment platforms and financial tools. The discussion
highlighted the need for enhanced credit services, financial education, and AI and blockchain
integration to achieve sustainable growth. Panellists also shared advice for students entering the
corporate world, stressing the importance of developing relevant skills, embracing change, and
seeking opportunities for continuous learning. “Financial inclusion and digital innovation are the
cornerstones of a prosperous and developed India by 2047,” remarked Mr Mayank Sharma.
Pinnacle 2025 successfully facilitated meaningful discussions on the evolving landscape of
Marketing, HR, and Finance. The IRS Committee of IIM Sirmaur thanks the esteemed panellists and
participants for their valuable contributions. The event concluded with the presentation of
mementoes to the panellists, acknowledging their insights and expertise.