Unveiling HR Transformation: Navigating High Velocity in Private Equity

In today’s fast-changing world of work, leadership expectations are evolving. Traditional models that reward star individual performers are giving way to a new philosophy — building star teams.

This shift in leadership thinking is the focus of a powerful discussion in the latest episode of Rolling Stories, where hosts Adrian Tan and Manu Ketan speak with Gaurav Sharma, Head of HR (South East Asia & Singapore) at BD, and former HR leader at PepsiCo and Coca-Cola.

With over two decades of global HR experience, Gaurav brings a transformative point of view:

Future-ready organizations won’t win because of a handful of exceptional individuals — they will win because their teams perform as one.

From Consulting to In-House Leadership

Adrian Ole began by sharing his transition from consulting to an in-house HR leadership role. Moving closer to the business shifted his perspective — from advising on transformation to owning outcomes. In a PE-backed organization, HR leaders must act decisively, align tightly with business goals, and take accountability for execution.

This shift highlights a key reality: HR transformation is no longer about frameworks alone. It’s about delivering measurable impact under pressure.

Private Equity and Compressed Timelines

One of the defining characteristics of private equity environments is speed. PE firms operate with clear value-creation plans and strict timelines. As Adrian Ole explained, HR teams must adapt quickly while managing multiple transformations simultaneously — restructuring, capability building, leadership alignment, and technology adoption.

Unlike traditional enterprises, there is little room for slow, incremental change. HR leaders must prioritize initiatives that directly support growth, efficiency, and scalability.

Balancing Short-Term Wins with Long-Term Strategy

A recurring challenge in PE-backed companies is balancing immediate business needs with long-term sustainability. While quick wins are essential, ignoring long-term talent strategy can create future risks.

Adrian emphasized the importance of:

• Making pragmatic short-term decisions
• Building foundational HR capabilities in parallel
• Ensuring leadership alignment throughout the journey

Successful HR transformation requires both speed and foresight

The Role of Technology in HR Transformation

Technology plays a critical role in enabling transformation at scale. In high-velocity environments, HR systems must simplify processes, improve decision-making, and reduce manual effort.

Adrian highlighted how digital tools can:

• Improve workforce visibility
• Enable faster decision-making
• Support data-driven HR strategies

However, technology alone is not the solution. True transformation happens when systems are aligned with business priorities and employee experience.

AI in HR: From Tools to Impact

The discussion also explored the growing role of AI in HR. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human judgment, Adrian positioned it as an enabler — helping HR teams focus on strategic work instead of repetitive tasks.

AI-powered insights can support:

• Talent analytics
• Workforce planning
• Smarter decision-making

When used thoughtfully, AI strengthens HR’s ability to drive business outcomes.

Change Management in Private Equity Environments

Change management in PE-backed organizations requires a different mindset. With limited time and high expectations, communication and leadership alignment become critical.

Adrian shared key elements of effective change management:

• Clear storytelling around the “why”
• Strong sponsorship from leadership
• Continuous feedback from employees

Change cannot be imposed — even in fast-paced environments. Engagement and trust remain essential.

HR’s Strategic Role in Business Value

Throughout the conversation, one message stood out clearly: HR is a strategic partner, not a support function. In private equity settings, HR directly influences value creation through leadership capability, culture, and execution.

By engaging closely with business leaders, HR can:

• Anticipate challenges
• Enable transformation
• Drive sustainable performance

Final Thoughts

This episode of Rolling Stories offers a candid look into the realities of HR transformation in private equity. Adrian Ole’s insights reinforce that while speed, technology, and results matter, the human element remains central to successful transformation.

For HR leaders navigating high-velocity change, the lesson is clear: stay close to the business, move fast with purpose, and never lose sight of people.

Listen to the full episode of Rolling Stories to gain deeper insights into HR transformation, private equity dynamics, and leadership in times of rapid change.

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June 24, 2025