Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, June 2026 – CEPT University has announced the appointment of Priya J Singh as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective July 2026. She succeeds S. D. Mehta, who has served as CHRO for the past nine years and has made significant contributions to the University’s people and organizational development journey.
Having served as Assistant Chief Human Resources Officer, Singh has played a pivotal role in strengthening HR systems, enhancing employee engagement, streamlining talent management processes, and supporting institutional growth. Her promotion reflects both her substantial contributions to the University and CEPT’s commitment to developing leadership talent from within.
Priya J Singh brings over 17 years of professional experience spanning human resources, talent management, employee engagement, organizational development, performance management, learning and development, and academic operations.
Since joining CEPT University in December 2019 as Deputy Manager – Human Resources, she has steadily progressed through increasingly strategic leadership roles. In her initial role, she managed key HR functions including faculty and staff recruitment, induction, payroll, provident fund administration, insurance, training and development, performance appraisals, HR audits, employee lifecycle management, and employee relations.
She was subsequently promoted to Human Resources Manager, where she partnered closely with University leadership to align HR strategies with institutional objectives. During this period, she led faculty and non-faculty recruitment, organizational change initiatives, employee engagement programs, compliance management, performance reviews, promotions, leadership development efforts, and HR operational excellence.
Most recently, as Assistant Chief Human Resources Officer, Singh collaborated with senior leadership to design and implement HR strategies supporting organizational growth, workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, learning and development, HR technology adoption, and organizational transformation. She also led initiatives focused on process optimization, employee retention, culture building, HR analytics, and digital HR transformation.
Prior to CEPT University, Singh spent more than eight years with FIITJEE Limited, where she served in leadership roles overseeing academic operations, curriculum implementation, faculty coordination, student services, examination management, operational planning, and quality assurance. This experience provided her with a strong understanding of educational institutions, stakeholder management, and large-scale operational leadership.
Priya recently completed the prestigious Post Graduate Certificate Programme for Emerging Chief Human Resource Officers from the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore), earning an A Grade. The program focused on strategic HR leadership, organizational transformation, workforce strategy, leadership effectiveness, and future-focused people management practices.
She also holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from ICFAI University, providing a strong foundation in business strategy, financial management, and organizational leadership.
Vision for CEPT University
As Chief Human Resources Officer, Singh will focus on advancing several strategic priorities, including:
- Accelerating HR digital transformation
- Strengthening talent acquisition and employer branding
- Enhancing performance management frameworks
- Building leadership and organizational capabilities
- Fostering employee engagement and retention
- Supporting a culture of continuous learning and innovation
- Reinforcing CEPT’s commitment to being a liberal, humane, inclusive, and empowering institution
Her appointment comes at a time when higher education institutions are increasingly investing in people strategies, digital HR systems, leadership development, and future-ready workforce capabilities.
About CEPT University
CEPT University is one of India’s leading institutions focused on education, research, and advisory services in the areas of architecture, planning, design, technology, and urban management. Established through the CEPT University Act of 2005, the institution traces its origins to the School of Architecture founded in 1962.
The University comprises five faculties: Architecture, Planning, Technology, Design, and Management. In 2023, it was recognized by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design. CEPT is also recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Government of India and maintains more than 30 global academic collaborations and exchange partnerships.
Through its teaching, research, and advisory initiatives, CEPT continues to contribute significantly to urban development, sustainable infrastructure, public policy, and design innovation in India and globally.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
