HR Leader | Champion of Human-Centered Cultures | Empowering Growth Across FMCG, Healthcare, and IT
Meet Rohini Abraham from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. A purpose-led HR strategist, Rohini has over 16 years of experience in building agile, people-centric cultures that drive business growth. Her leadership across FMCG, healthcare, and IT industries reflects her passion for empowering individuals and fostering innovation through human-centered leadership.
Early Education: Foundations of a People-Centric Leader
Rohini Abraham’s journey into the world of human resources began with a solid academic foundation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Mathematics from Jesus & Mary College, Delhi University, where she cultivated a strategic mindset that would later become essential to her leadership roles. Following this, she pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources Management from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, an institution renowned for shaping future HR leaders. It was here that Rohini’s passion for creating human-centered environments took root, sparking a career focused on empowering people and driving business success through strategic talent management.
Cognizant and the Path to Leadership
Rohini’s professional journey began at Cognizant, where she quickly distinguished herself as a dynamic and forward-thinking HR leader. Starting as the Head of Campus Recruitment for the North & Western Regions, she oversaw end-to-end hiring processes for Cognizant’s second-largest center in Pune. During the 2009 IT recession, Rohini’s leadership was critical in managing the onboarding and career development of entry-level trainees, “coaching them to transition from campus to corporate life” during a particularly challenging time for the industry.
Her success in this role led to further responsibilities, including becoming the Pan-India HR Business Partner for Analytics Information Management (AIM), a unit with over 3,000 employees. Here, she oversaw talent strategy, guiding HR initiatives that aligned with business goals in one of Cognizant’s largest business units. Rohini’s impact was far-reaching, from leading niche-skill recruitment to championing employee engagement across diverse teams. “Talent is not just about filling positions; it’s about nurturing potential and creating environments where people can thrive,” she often remarked, a philosophy that continues to guide her leadership.
Transforming Cultures at Johnson & Johnson
After nearly eight years at Cognizant, Rohini moved to Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, where she held several HR leadership roles. As the HR Leader for the Legal Function (APAC) and Corporate Functions (India), Rohini led people strategies across Asia-Pacific and India for J&J’s multiple industry segments, including FMCG, MedTech, and Pharmaceuticals. She was also an Asia-Pacific Lead for the EF People Leadership Capability Program and a member of the Asia-Pacific HR Steering Committee for the Finance Talent Strategy.
In addition to her HR leadership roles, Rohini co-led the Open & Out ERG India chapter for LGBTQIA+ and allies, advocating for inclusion and diversity within the organization. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive culture was recognized both internally and externally, and she became a voice for underrepresented communities in corporate spaces.
During her tenure at J&J, Rohini also led the Sales and Marketing HR functions for the Consumer Health division, where she focused on “building agile, resilient teams capable of navigating a rapidly changing market.” Her ability to align HR strategies with business outcomes, combined with her passion for nurturing talent, led to numerous recognitions, including two-time recipient of the MD’s Circle of Excellence award.
Current Role: Leading with Purpose at Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd.
Today, Rohini serves as the Head of Human Resources at Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd., India’s leading in-vitro diagnostics company. In this role, she oversees HR, administration, and CSR for over 1,000 employees. Her leadership extends to heading HR for Caredata, a subsidiary focusing on Laboratory Information Systems.
At Transasia, Rohini continues to drive transformative growth through people-centric strategies. Her team-building efforts and focus on creating collaborative, agile work environments have empowered the organization to innovate and excel in the competitive healthcare industry. “I believe in cultivating cultures that not only drive business success but also ensure that every individual feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential,” she shares, encapsulating her leadership philosophy.
Her certifications as a Hogan Assessment Certified Professional and Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner further underscore her commitment to advancing both organizational and individual development. Rohini’s journey from campus recruitment to HR leadership across multiple industries highlights her unwavering dedication to creating environments where people can thrive, innovate, and lead with purpose.
The Nectar of Wisdom” from Rohini Abraham’s Journey
- People are the true drivers of success: “Building a culture where people feel valued leads to unparalleled business outcomes.”
- Diversity is strength: “Inclusion goes beyond representation—it’s about creating spaces where everyone belongs.”
- Adaptability is key to growth: “Agility in HR practices enables organizations to navigate change and emerge stronger.”
- Mentorship matters: “Guiding the next generation of leaders is a responsibility we must all embrace.”
- Empowerment is the foundation of leadership: “Empowered people drive innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.”
Editorial Note
Rohini Abraham’s career reflects an enduring commitment to creating human-centered workplaces that drive business innovation. Her leadership across diverse industries, combined with her passion for fostering inclusive and agile cultures, continues to inspire those she leads. Rohini’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership in transforming organizations and empowering individuals to thrive.
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