Pune, Maharashtra, India, May 2025 – Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited has announced the appointment of Kiran Bhagnure-Khapre as the company’s new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). With over 17 years of experience in leading strategic HR functions across global industrial and manufacturing organizations, Kiran steps into this leadership role to steer the company’s people strategy at a pivotal time in its evolution toward a “Limitless” future.
Kiran has been with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited since early 2023 and has held multiple leadership roles within the HR function. Her elevation to CHRO underscores the company’s recognition of her deep expertise in talent management, operational excellence, and transformation initiatives.
Prior to taking on the CHRO role, Kiran Bhagnure-Khapre served as Head – C&B, Talent Acquisition, and HR Operational Excellence at Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited for approximately 1.5 years. In this capacity, she was instrumental in modernizing the company’s compensation structures, optimizing recruitment practices, and driving systemic improvements in HR operations. She also served as HR Head – Power Generation Business and Kagal Plant, overseeing business-aligned HR strategy, workforce development, and compliance across critical functions.
Before joining Kirloskar Oil Engines, Kiran was India HR Head at Behr-Hella Thermocontrol (BHTC) for nearly 2 years, where she played a pivotal role in streamlining HR processes, strengthening talent pipelines, and enhancing workforce engagement at the automotive technology firm.
Her earlier tenure at Cummins Inc., which spanned nearly 14 years, saw her grow through various leadership roles including HR Leader for Line Functions, Corporate Functions, and Lab Operations. At Cummins India, she was entrusted with managing full-spectrum HR responsibilities across functions including HR, finance, HSE, and engineering. She was also responsible for shaping talent development strategies, workforce planning, and leading campus hiring and performance systems for a workforce of over 500 employees.
Throughout her journey, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to coaching, leadership development, and HR transformation, enabling organizations to build agile and engaged workforces.
Kiran Bhagnure-Khapre holds an MBA in Human Resources from Savitribai Phule Pune University. She has completed the Labor Relations Certification Program at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and a Management Certification Program from Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A), reflecting her continuous pursuit of excellence in HR leadership.
About Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited
Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited (KOEL) is India’s leading manufacturer of diesel engines and generator sets for a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications. With a legacy of over 130 years, KOEL has pioneered innovation in engine technology and is the country’s largest producer of non-automotive diesel engines.
Headquartered in Khadki, Pune, KOEL operates four manufacturing facilities and maintains a strong distribution network that spans over 50 countries including those in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. The company is deeply committed to community development through its CSR initiatives in health, education, and employment, helping build a future that is truly “Limitless.”
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