The Human Resources (HR) industry is important to the functioning of organizations. It focuses on optimizing workforce potential and includes recruitment, employee development, performance management, and developing a positive work culture. An HR professional helps align the goals of employees with the organization’s objectives to achieve a productive and compliant work environment. In sectors like consumer goods (FMCG), e-commerce, and beverages, HR must navigate rapid market changes, scale workforces during growth, and manage diverse teams. HR also plays a key role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, helping organizations build a strong culture that attracts and retains top talent.

Tabrez Ahmed Khan is an accomplished HR leader in the role of Associate Director, People & Administration at B9 Beverages Ltd., makers of Bira91 beers.  He has gained experience in working with the FMCG, e-commerce, and beverage sectors, enabling him to structure high-performing teams and establish organizational cultures. His work experience includes Kellogg’s and Myntra; he has had expertise in making HR frameworks, as well as managing workforce dynamics.

A Visionary Leader in The Field of Human Resource Management

Tabrez Ahmed Khan’s journey is a story of resilience, adaptability, and innovation in the field of human resource management.  He is the Associate Director of People & Administration at B9 Beverages Ltd., the makers of Bira91 Beers, who has made himself a leader in fostering inclusive cultures, aligning human capital strategies with business goals, and building organizations from the ground up. His career is an example of the transformative power of leadership rooted in people-centric values and a passion for making a meaningful impact.

 Tabrez starts with an MBA in Human Resource Management, making a base for his corporate career. It was in the role of Sales HR Business Partner at Kellogg’s India that he was going through a critical experience that was later going to shape his perspective about the HR field. In a space of three years, Tabrez experienced all aspects of how businesses work, a hands-on experience of how HR strategies could be aligned with organizational objectives.

“It was an enriching experience that allowed me to develop as a professional and gain insights into how HR can drive business success,” Tabrez reflects. This formative experience gave him a strong foundation in the essentials of leadership, people management, and strategic thinking, all of which would become hallmarks of his career.

Transitioning Across Industries

During his stay at Myntra, while working as the HR partner for the North and East India logistics and warehousing functions, Tabrez had a significant career shift in his line. He joined an e-commerce ecosystem that was dynamic and fast-paced compared to the structured world of FMCG.

“Myntra was growing exponentially, and managing the intense world of logistics, supply chain, and warehousing HR was a completely different ballgame compared to the sophisticated and non-complex FMCG human resources,” he recalls. The transition pushed him out of his comfort zone, compelling him to adopt innovative approaches and develop a deeper understanding of operational challenges.

Though it was a very short tenure, the period at Myntra helped him to hone his skills and broadened his outlook. The experience helped him tackle complex workforce dynamics and laid a base for future success in diverse industries.

Building Bira91 from the Ground Up

In 2015, Tabrez took on one of the most defining roles of his career by joining Bira91 during its development phase. As the first HR professional in the organization, he faced the monumental challenge of building the company’s HR framework from scratch.

Tabrez worked closely with the founder and chief executive officer to recruit top talent, define organizational structures, and shape the strong cultural foundation of the business. “It’s a rare opportunity to build an organization from scratch, and it gained me valuable experience while also giving me a sense of fulfillment when the organization started thriving,” he says.

It was both challenging and rewarding. Tabrez showed his resilience, strategic foresight, and hands-on approach in the ability to navigate uncertainties while laying the groundwork for long-term success. He made significant contributions to the growth of the company, ensuring that the HR strategies were aligned with its business objectives over the years.

Exploring New Opportunities

Between 2021 and 2024, Tabrez explored new opportunities, working with a consumer tech company and a health and hospitality firm. The roles gave him fresh perspectives and expanded his expertise in HR management. The exposure to different industries enhanced his adaptability and reinforced his ability to innovate in diverse environments.

Despite his successful ventures outside Bira91, Tabrez’s deep connection with the organization brought him back in 2024. Rejoining Bira91, he resumed his mission to drive the company’s journey forward, further solidifying his legacy as a transformational leader.

Core Qualities That Define His Leadership

Reflecting on his career, Tabrez attributes his success to three core personal qualities: a genuine interest in people, insatiable curiosity, and adaptability. Tabrez’s interest in understanding people and their motivation is the very basis of his leadership style. “My real interest in people has helped me to connect meaningfully, empathize with diverse perspectives, and craft HR strategies that resonate with individuals and teams alike,” he says.

Curiosity, he says, drives his career. “I have an innate desire to learn, explore, and challenge the status quo. This mindset has fueled my ability to innovate and embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth,” he shares.

Another vital characteristic has been adaptability. It helped in dealing with the varied industry and dynamic environments. Whether building frameworks for HR from scratch or managing complicated workforce dynamics, the ability of Tabrez to stay agile and effective has become the hallmark of his success.

Tabrez has faced challenges in his career that have tested his resilience and adaptability. One of the first hurdles he faced was transitioning from academic life to the competitive corporate environment. “Balancing steep learning curves with the pressure to deliver results was an intense but necessary initiation into the corporate world,” he recalls.

Another defining challenge came when he moved from the structured world of FMCG to the dynamic and fast-paced e-commerce industry. Managing logistics and supply chain HR functions in a rapidly growing organization required agility, innovation, and deep collaboration. “It was a completely different operational landscape that pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he explains.

One of the biggest challenges and also one of the most rewarding experiences was building an HR framework from scratch at Bira91. He learned perseverance, strategic foresight, and a hands-on approach through this experience. “Creating an organization from the ground up was both thrilling and challenging. It required me to navigate uncertainties while laying the foundation for long-term success,” he shares.

A People-Centric Vision

Tabrez’s philosophy of leadership finds its roots deeply in his passion for people and organizational excellence. He believes that he is helping to enrich people’s lives through the creation of platforms that can nurture diversity, collaboration, and innovation. “Every individual is unique, bringing distinct ideas, perspectives, and strengths to the table. It is our responsibility to create a space that encourages this diversity,” he says.

Integrity and mutual respect are the essence of his philosophy on service delivery. “Treating each individual with dignity and respect is not just a value I uphold but a practice I strive to embody in every interaction,” he adds. The said virtues aided him in developing work-friendly cultures and meaningful relationships during his professional practice journey.

Awards and Honors

For Tabrez, all formal accolades take a back seat to the impact he creates. His career growth itself is the most profound testament to his contributions. The trust placed in him to lead transformational roles whether at Bira91, Myntra, or other organizations is a validation of his efforts and capabilities.

One of the most fulfilling recognitions is to see the growth and success of the people and teams he has supported. “Knowing that my contributions have shaped careers and fostered inclusive cultures is a reward in itself,” he says. His return to Bira91 as a trusted leader underscores the credibility and value he has built over the years.

Future Aspirations

Looking forward, Tabrez would like to take up more strategic leadership roles in the organizational culture that is agile and innovative, yet deep-rooted in human value. He wants to create environments where diversity of thought is able to thrive, talent is nurtured, and sustainable growth becomes a shared vision.

Tabrez is also passionate about leveraging technology and data-driven insights to redefine the HR landscape. By staying attuned to emerging trends, he aims to drive initiatives that align seamlessly with the evolving needs of organizations and employees. “My journey is about continuous learning and meaningful contribution. Whether mentoring future leaders, championing people-centric policies, or building organizational resilience, my vision is to leave a legacy of transformation and positive change,” he states.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

For those aspiring to lead, Tabrez offers valuable advice rooted in his experiences. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, staying curious, and being open to new ideas. He encourages breaking problems down to core truths and building solutions from the ground up.

Leadership, he believes, is about empowering others and fostering an environment where ideas thrive. Resilience and adaptability are crucial for turning challenges into opportunities, while integrity builds the foundation for trust. He advises prioritizing impact over recognition, creating value, and fostering a growth mindset that embraces learning from failures. “Be rooted in purpose, think hard, and lead with humility. Leadership is the art of creating a meaningful difference and a value legacy,” he concludes. 

Quotes:

“Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

“Success is not measured by accolades but by the positive impact you have on the lives of others.”

“Continuous learning and curiosity are the cornerstones of growth, both personally and professionally.”