The renewable energy industry remained impressively resilient in 2021. Renewable energy sources are now among the most cost-effective energy sources in several sectors thanks to rapid technological advancements, decreasing costs, and improved competitiveness of energy storage. Despite supply chain bottlenecks, increased shipping costs, and rising commodity prices, renewable energy growth is expected to accelerate in 2022. Many countries have established ambitious clean energy goals, such as boosting renewable portfolio standards and mandating energy storage purchases.Suchitra Kerkar, APAC Head & Vice President of People & Culture at Vestas is an industry leader who is driving the organization's goal of becoming the global leader in sustainable energy solutions.

Suchitra is humble, experienced, and a well-connected person who has taken on the responsibility of managing the lifecycle of colleagues in the APAC area, with a specific focus on their engagement, growth and ensuring that they have an exciting career with Vestas.

By designing, producing, installing, developing, and servicing wind energy and hybrid projects all over the world, Vestas is working to create a better future by addressing climate change and supporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Their sustainable energy solutions have already averted 1.5 billion tonnes3 of CO2 from being emitted into the environment and contributed to a more sustainable energy system, with over 145 GW of wind turbines deployed in 85 countries. Even though the COVID-19 epidemic has reduced CO2 emissions, the planet is still 1.1 °C warmer than it was before the industrial revolution. For Vestas, this challenge that they're addressing head-on trough the development and deployment of sustainable energy solution. While this is a crucial cause, it cannot be achieved without skilled and passionate people, hence the value behind Suchitra's international leadership.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur, Suchitra Kerkar, APAC Head & Vice President of People and Culture, Vestas, shares her experience, expertise and the `power' behind her leadership.

What are the various roles & responsibilities that you shoulder as the Regional Head & VP- People? What are your primary focus areas at Vestas?

Vestas is a global leader in sustainable energy solutions and I'm responsible for the People and Culture of the APAC Region. This covers the overall responsibility of managing the lifecycle of people across the region with a specific focus on their engagement, development, and ensuring that they have an exciting career with Vestas. Since APAC has a very large footprint, my focus is around building Vestas' presence in our key markets, building a diverse and talented team who can live the Vestas purpose and at the same time, enjoy each day as they grow and learn within the company. The most exciting part of this journey is to work with an integrated approach of cultural elements across multiple geographies where we operate in. 

Take us through your early educational journey and the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

I am a student of Sociology followed by achieving a Masters in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work from TISS. I am a PCC-certified coach from ICF and have been supporting many colleagues as an Executive Coach. I bring over three decades of work experience in multiple industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, education, IT and ITeS in the Telecom space. Renewable Energy is the newest addition in my trajectory of industrial exposure and it's incredibly exciting! Globally and collectively, our world is at the centre of a historical energy evolution. To shape and lead the people who are powering this evolution is both fulfilling and challenging.

What are some important features of your expertise as an HR leader?

I'd like to think of myself as a down-to-earth person hence my ability to connect with people across all segments. The ability to remain approachable is very important, particularly as a leader develops in seniority. My professional expertise and skills are honed over years of working in multiple industries but the key characteristics that I practice are humility, building emotional connections, and staying honest, which people can identify and relate to. Again, I try not to jargonize these elements which can easily fall in the category of using emotional intelligence, staying flexible to understand business needs, and anticipating outcomes that can support the needs.

Tell us about the key business challenges that you face in your current role. What steps do you take to successfully counter these roadblocks?

The wind energy industry is dynamic sector and it's constantly driven by change. Our business needs are agile, customer-centric, and at the same time constantly evolving in the technology space (where Vestas has an important role to play!). Our people-challenges are related to attracting the right talent, ensuring that we are scalable to meet our onshore and offshore requirements, retaining critical skills and knowledge, and ensuring that we continue to build a capable and safe workspace.

Suchitra Kerkar, APAC Head & Vice President of People & Culture at Vestas

Suchitra has over 30 years of experience in Human Resources and has global exposure having worked across Asia Pacific and Europe. She is regarded as a specialist in handling various cultural shifts as part of the People and Culture agenda. Suchitra draws her on experience working in the manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, ITeS, and IT industries to develop effective people practices in talent management, career paths, rewards, and learning. She draws on experience with large and businesses in the HR partnering role, and leverages over 18 years in strategic and operational roles. Suchitra has a keen sense of diagnostics to build engagement practices for people retention and organization impact for anchoring change.