For Sofi Zahoor, the journey from his hometown in Handwara to managing a large multinational software product company has been a dream run.Zahoor, presently Senior Director, Human Resources and Operations, at Quark Inc in Chandigarh, added yet another feather to his cap recently after he was conferred a global leadership award in a glittering ceremony held at Mumbai.
“It was electrifying to watch HR leaders from 27 countries coming together. I am humbled to receive ‘Top HR Mind – India’ award amidst many stalwarts of the Industry from 27 countries,” says Zahoor.
Zahoor is keen to inspire the youngsters back in Valley to pursue higher qualifications and higher challenges to operate on bigger platform. “I believe mine is a story about a young boy from a border area starting his journey and making it to the top leadership position in sub continent,” he says.
The “Top HR Minds (India)” award conferred on Zahoor is a reflection of his professional achievement and the belief that he is a thought leader in HR and contributor of value. “To reach to this conclusion we have approached your peers who have with pride recommended your name and the same is vetted by the advisory board that acts as a conscious keeper towards the success of World HRD Congress,” reads a letter from award organizers to Zahoor.“Top HR Minds (India) awards is an intense research process undertaken by the research cell which consists of post graduates in history and management with over 5 years research experience posts their studies. It is the job of the research cell to produce a shortlist of individuals who are doing extraordinary work and track the record of their achievements.
The shortlist is then reviewed by a jury comprising of senior professionals from across the globe,” it reads.
“The coveted award winner Sofi Zahoor brings several years of professional experience to Quark. During his career he has worked with multinational companies and Indian business across several positions. His more than 22 years of experience in IT industry brings forth an unique blend of cross functional experience with over 3 years of experience in Customer Support, 5 years of experience in Sales and Marketing and almost 14 years in Human Resources management covering areas of Talent Management, Organizational Design, Performance Management and entire gamut of change management initiative in the area of HR.
“Zahoor brings solid experience in driving talent acquisition and professional development programs, resulting in talent upgrades of the workforce. He has played key role in conducting and implementing an organizational re-design to capitalize on strategic opportunities. The dynamic HR executive has a proven track record in thought leadership, defining objectives and setting milestones.”
Zahoor who has been the past Chairman of CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) Chandigarh Council was awarded as Top 50 Most Talented HR Leader in Asia by Global HRD Congress in 2013.
He was also awarded Northwest HR Excellence award at PHD Chamber of commerce in year 2010 for outstanding contribution to Indian HR community. As a renowned motivational speaker, he has delivered more than 500 sessions covering organisations, universities, colleges, schools at a global level.
He is currently working with more than 20 Indian and International Universities helping them collaborate with industry expectations.
He is also Advisory Council Member at World HRD Congress and Executive Academic Counsel Member of Punjab University.
Zahoor is on the board of advisors and academic council member of Chandigarh University. He is a council member CRIKC (Chandigarh Region Innovation and Knowledge Cluster. He has been a keynote speaker at industry forums, international HR forums, seminars, Indian and global universities.
Zahoor also has been actively involved with in many social activities, he is the founder of Quark Prayas , which is a voluntary organisation focusing on development of underprivileged children in the area of education and medical support.
When not at work, he likes to involve himself in sports. Zahoor is an avid reader and likes reading books on life and philosophy. He is also in the process of authoring a book on hiring titled “Hiring Redefined”.
