Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, January 2026 – Dr. Nikhil Rao Shelar has been appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Maa Kudargarhi Group, a diversified business conglomerate with operations across steel, bauxite mining, and agriculture & agro-products. In his new leadership role, Dr. Shelar will drive the group’s HR transformation and people strategy to align with its evolving business goals.
With over two decades of extensive HR leadership across infrastructure, energy, engineering, FMCG, and manufacturing sectors, Dr. Shelar brings a strategic blend of operational expertise, people management, and transformation capabilities.
Before joining Maa Kudargarhi Group, Dr. Nikhil Rao Shelar served as Head – Corporate Human Resource Operations at ABIS Exports India Pvt. Ltd. (IB Group), leading HR across their expansive pan-India operations in poultry, animal feed, dairy, FMCG, and hospitality. His role was instrumental in implementing HR systems, CXO engagement, employee lifecycle strategies, and HR transformation.
Previously, he held the role of Head – Corporate HR for India, Dubai & Singapore at ACT Infraport, where he played a critical role in designing OD interventions, implementing global HR policies, and leading employer branding and manpower strategies. He was also Head – HR, Personnel & Admin at Godawari Power & Ispat Ltd. (HIRA Group), leading a complete revamp of HR structure and digitization initiatives.
Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Human Capital Officer for India & Bangladesh at AlMansoori Specialized Engineering LLC, and had a successful stint with the Adani Group as part of their Corporate HR Leadership Team, where he executed change management and organization design projects across multiple business units.
His early experience includes HR leadership at Essar, Ricoh, and extensive field and corporate roles in Adani’s plant HR division, offering a robust foundation in talent development, performance management, compensation, HRIS systems, and workforce engagement.
About Maa Kudargarhi Group
Maa Kudargarhi Group is an emerging Indian business house based in Chhattisgarh, with a growing presence across three strategic verticals — Steel, Bauxite Mining, and Agriculture & Agro Products. The group has built a strong regional footprint and is committed to sustainable practices, community development, and industrial growth. As the group accelerates its growth strategy across India, it is also focusing on strengthening its organizational culture and employee capabilities under seasoned HR leadership.
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