Sheela Parakkal, IHRP-MP
Chief Human Resources Officer
Prudential Singapore
Sheela Parakkal was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer of Prudential Singapore in September 2015. In this role, Sheela champions the human capital value chain and leads the HR function to develop and drive people strategies in line with the business goals. This includes building best-in-class HR practices in recruitment, talent and succession planning, reward and recognition programmes.
A strong supporter of workplace diversity and inclusion, Sheela has spearheaded several industry-first initiatives such as removing the retirement age at Prudential, and raising the CPF contribution rate for employees above 55 to be on par with younger colleagues. These ground-breaking changes mean that Prudential employees can work at the company for as long as they can perform and are rewarded based on performance.
In recognition of her progressive workforce vision, Sheela received the Leadership Award for Age Inclusive Practices at the Tripartite Alliance Awards 2021. She was also named the Best HR Leader at the HR Fest Awards 2019.
Sheela started her 17-year career with PricewaterhouseCoopers Singapore (PwC Singapore) as an auditor before moving into a human capital role focusing on business partnership, talent and development, and mobility of its large professional workforce. Married with three daughters, she loves spending time with her family and volunteering to give back to the society.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Prudential Singapore
Sheela Parakkal was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer of Prudential Singapore in September 2015. In this role, Sheela champions the human capital value chain and leads the HR function to develop and drive people strategies in line with the business goals. This includes building best-in-class HR practices in recruitment, talent and succession planning, reward and recognition programmes.
A strong supporter of workplace diversity and inclusion, Sheela has spearheaded several industry-first initiatives such as removing the retirement age at Prudential, and raising the CPF contribution rate for employees above 55 to be on par with younger colleagues. These ground-breaking changes mean that Prudential employees can work at the company for as long as they can perform and are rewarded based on performance.
In recognition of her progressive workforce vision, Sheela received the Leadership Award for Age Inclusive Practices at the Tripartite Alliance Awards 2021. She was also named the Best HR Leader at the HR Fest Awards 2019.
Sheela started her 17-year career with PricewaterhouseCoopers Singapore (PwC Singapore) as an auditor before moving into a human capital role focusing on business partnership, talent and development, and mobility of its large professional workforce. Married with three daughters, she loves spending time with her family and volunteering to give back to the society.
