The PGDM Retail Management Department at Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini organized an enriching and thought-provoking guest session on “Building Future-Ready Talent in the Retail Industry: The HR Perspective” on November 14, 2025.
The session was conducted by Dr. Mukul H. Chopra, Chief Human Resources Officer, Transaction Solutions International (India) Pvt. Ltd., a seasoned HR leader with deep expertise in workforce development, organisational design, and talent transformation in service-led industries. With decades of experience across HR strategy, capability building, and people-centric leadership, Dr. Chopra brought valuable industry insights tailored to the evolving dynamics of the retail sector.
Dr. Chopra highlighted the future skills, behavioural competencies, and digital readiness required by modern retail professionals. He explained how the retail industry is undergoing a rapid shift driven by technology, customer expectations, and omnichannel expansion—making it essential for organisations to invest in talent that is agile, analytical, and customer-focused.
He also discussed critical HR components such as:
- Career Pathing and the need for structured growth frameworks
- Training Relevance and skill-upgradation aligned with dynamic retail roles
- Hiring Processes that identify high-potential, future-ready candidates
- Managerial Capability Building to strengthen frontline leadership
- Compensation, Scheduling & Culture as key drivers of employee motivation and retention
- Adoption of Digital Tools to boost operational efficiency and workforce productivity
The interactive session allowed students to gain clarity on how HR functions act as strategic partners in shaping retail organisations. Dr. Chopra encouraged students to embrace continuous learning, adaptability, and customer-centric thinking—qualities that define high-performing professionals in the retail ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the HR lens for creating future-ready retail talent
- Insights into capability-building, structured career pathing, and leadership development
- Importance of digital literacy, behavioural competencies, and skill alignment
- Practical exposure to HR tools, performance frameworks, and workforce planning
- Awareness of the evolving expectations from retail professionals in a tech-driven and customer-first environment
The session equipped students with a realistic and future-oriented understanding of HR practices within retail, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations. It reflected JIMS Rohini’s commitment to preparing industry-ready retail professionals through experiential learning and expert-led academic engagement.